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{UANGE DU BOURDON,) 


BY F. DU BOISGOBEY 


[TEANSLATED BY MRS. LAURA E. KENDALL.] 




7 TO 27 VaNdeWater 3t 
•^EWTo^Ki. 


leSeaside LibraryTPocket Edition, IssuedTri-^^lyl^By s^scriptidn ^0 per annum. 

Ited 1885 by Gloorge Munro— Entered at the Post Office at New York at second class rates— Dec. 23, 188f 




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R DU BOISGOBEY’S WOEKS 


CONTAINED IN THE SEASIDE LIBRARY (POCKET EDITION) : 


NO. PRICK. 

82 Sealed Lips 20 

104 The Coral Pin 30 

264 Piedouche, a French Detective . . . . 10 

328 Babiole, the Pretty Milliner. First half . . .20 

328 Babiole, the Pretty Milliner. Second half . . 20 

453 The Lottery Ticket 20 

475 The Prima Donna’s Husband . . . . . 20 

522 Zig-Zag, the Clown; or, The Steel Gauntlets . . 20- 

523 The Consequences of a Duel 20 

648 The Angel of the Bells ... . . 10 


THE ANGEL OF THE BELLS 


CHAPTER 1. 

The old landmarks of Paris are fast disappearing. The 
old Hotel-Dieu, or City Hospital, has been demolished, but 
ten years ago it disfigured the surroundings of Notre Dame,, 
and its dingy and dilapidated fa 9 ade cut ofi all view of the 
river from such visitors as came to admire the cathedral 
immortalized by Victor Hugo. 

These visitors, however, were chiefly country people or 
foreigners, for Parisians rarely visit these places of interest, 
and seldom extend their rambles to the old part of the 
town. It is a poor, but respectable quarter, inhabited by 
persons of limited means who rarely leave home, and who 
have a very meager a^Dpreciation of the architectural beau- 
ties of the church built by Philippe Auguste. 

At the time of which we speak, however, the usually 
silent and deserted square presented a very animated ap- 
pearance on Thursdays and Sundays, the days on which tho 
friends of hospital patients were allowed to visit them; but 
these receptions, though under the sanction of the govern- 
ment, contrasted strikingly with those that attracted 
luxurious equipages to the doors of the elegant mansions of 
the Faubourg Saint Germain. This was a coming and go- 
ing of humble people who came afoot, and returned in tlie 
same way; still the square became almost gay in its as|)ect, 
and the sight was well worth seeing. 

One pleasant Thursday in the spring of 1874, two gentle- 
men w^ere regarding it from one of the upper windows of 
the long hospital. The younger of the two, who was smok- 
ing his pipe, in his shirt sleeves, with his elbows resting 
upon the window-sill, seemed to be making himself very 
much at home, as he had an undoubted right to do, for the 
room was his, it being one of the apartments reserved for 
the medical staff, to which he had been admitted about six 


8 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 

- months before, after passing a brilliant examination. There 
oould be no doubt that he was a remarkably good-looking 
young man, nor could his rather shabby clothing conceal 
a certain air of distinction; besides, he had the large black 
eyes and clear, colorless complexion that romantic young 
ladies so much admire. 

The other, who was standing ne^tr him, but who was not 
smoking, was a man about forty years of age, tall, slender 
and angular, who strongly resembled the pictures of Don 
. Quixote, and who must have been not unlike him in char- 
acter, for his friends called him Don Meriadec, though his 
real name was Mederic Yves-Couan de Meriadec. He was 
a thorough Breton, and a baron, but a landless baron, and 
■one who set little store by his title. His companion, Al- 
bert Daubrac, a mative of Agen, was a typical Gascon, 
shrewd, ambitious and eminently practical; but contrast is 
the foundation of all ardent friendships, and in spite of the 
great difference in their ages, the two were devoted to each 
other. 

Look,^^ cried the young surgeon, suddenly, there is 
the Angel of the Bells crossing the square. I wonder where 
she is coming from with that little basket? Oh, I see. 
She has been to the flower market. She is bringing home 
:Some gilly-flowers.'^^ 

‘‘Do you mean that young girl who is walking toward 
the church inquired Meriadec. 

“ Yes, the one with a plaid shawl over her shoulders, 
and a ficlm on her pale golden hair. Did you ever see as 
pretty a girl in your province of Brittany. Nowhere in 
Trance can you And beauties equal to those who first see 
the light in the porters^ lodges of Paris. 

Meriadec drew from its case a large lorgnette, which he 
wore strajDped over his shoulder after the fashion of an En- 
glish tourist, leveled it at the person indicated, and said, in 
a tone of deep conviction: 

“She is beautiful. There is not the slightest doubt of 
it. She looks like a madonna. Why do you call her the 
Angel of the Bells 

“ Because her father is the bell-ringer of Notre Dame. 
Some of the people in the neighborhood call her the fairy 
of the tower, but I prefer the surname I have given her.^^ 

“ Are you a favored admirer ?^^ 

“ She has no favored one. She is a model of discretion. 


THE AXGEL OF THE TELLS. 9^ 

my dear fellow. And she certainly deserves no little credit 
for it^ at her age^ and with a face like hers. DonH you 
think so?^^ 

There can be no question about that, particularly as 
she is probably far from ricli.^'’ 

She has only what she earns by making artificial 
flowers. Yerdiere is an old soldier, who drinks up all his 
salary, and doesiiT give his daughter Eose a cent to dress 
herself with. I even suspect that she defrays part of the 
household expenses.'’^ 

She lives with him, then?^^ 

Yes, in the North Tower, I know not how many feet 
above the ground. She lives in a queer little stone box 
where I could not stay twenty-four hours without dying of 
the blues, but she sings all day long, and seems to be as 
gay as a lark. There, she is going in now. 

The young girl, had, in fact, disappeared around the- 
corner of the Eue du Cloitre-Notre-Dame. 

^MVhat a pity!^'’ sighed Meriadec. ^^It was a real 
pleasure to look at her.^^ 

I am almost certain that you are already dreaming of 
protecting her from those who would seek to rob her of her 
virtue,''^ exclaimed Daubrac. But she needs no such 
champion. She can protect herself very well, without as- 
sistance, so repress yourch ivalrous instincts, and admit that 
one sometimes sees most agreeable visions from my win- 
dows. 

They certainly furnish one with more amusement than 
mine on the Eue Cassette, where no one ever passes.’’^ 

Why on earth did you select it for your lodgings, then? 
Here, the scene is constantly changing. Look at that 
couple passing the church. Two lovers, I suspect. The 
lady wears a thick veil, and clings closely to her attendant, 
who hangs his head so no one can catch a glimpse of his 
face. And yet, they certainly belong to the upper circles. 
The man is fashionably dressed, and the lady^s costume is 
fresh from the hands of a fashionable modiste. 

‘^Yery j)ossibly, but they interest me much les^ than. 
that fair-haired girl.'’^ 

^ ^ It always amuses me to watch the movements of lovers,, 
especially when they are trying to hide their love. These 
two are evidently obliged to meet in an unfrequented part 
of the city. Ah! they are turning into the Eue du Cloitre^ 


10 


THE AKCtEL OE the BELLS. 


like Eose Verdiere. They are going to make the ascent of 
the tower^ perhaps/^ 

How absurd 

‘^Hot so very absurd, I am sure. Up there near the 
clouds must be a delightful place for love-making. One 
would have the blue heavens for a roof, and no spectators 
but the swallows. It is an idea worth remembering, and I 
intend to put it in practice at the very first opportunity.'’^ 
Meriadec leveled his glass at the church, and but a few 
moments had passed when he exclaimed: You were right. 
It seems to me that I did see a head above the balustrade 
on the bell, tower. 

^ ^ Which is the only tower visitors are allowed to climb. 
I am positive that our lovers are there. It would be a 
capital joke to follow them.'’^ 

Fm sure I have no desire to disturb their tete-a4eteJ’ 
But we can catch a glimpse of the 'Angel of the Bells 
as we pass. Her room is just off the staircase that leads to 
the top of the tower. This staircase is protected by a grat- 
ing, at which visitors are obliged to ring, and very often it 
is the daughter who comes to open it, for old Verdiere is 
not fond of exerting himself.'’^ 

I should be charmed to get another look at the Angel 
of the Bells. But to climb away up there — 

“ Oh, that will be a trifle for you, with your long legs; 
besides, we shall not be obliged to go higher than the gal- 
lery that crosses the fa 9 ade. Y/e can stojD there and await 
the return of the veiled lady. I should like to get a good 
look at her.-’^ 

There is no certainty of our meeting her. She and 
Eer escort have probably continued their promenade on 
terra jlrlna J^ 

Even in that case, we shall haver no cause to regret 
cur climb, for it will give us a capital appetite. The sky 
is cloudless, the air mild; we shall get a birds^-eye view 
of Paris, and Avith your fine lorgnette, you can make out 
your house on the Eue Cassette. I shall not be on duty 
again until four o^clock, so I have plenty of time to stretch 
my legs. 

And I have nothing whatever to do.^^ 

Then come Avith me. You Avill find an oj^portunity to 
display your chivalry, perhajDS, — some persecuted damsel 
to defend, or a lost child to adopt. 


THE A^s^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


11 


That decides rae/^ re23lied Meriadec^ laughing. 

Good! I knew you ayouM come!^^ 

The friends left the window. The young surgeon slipped 
on a short coat^, caught up his hat^ and pushed Don Meria- 
dec toward the stairs. 

There^ I was sure of it!^^ exclaimed Daubrac, glanc- 
ing uj) at the church as they descended the steps of tho 
hospital. They have reached the middle gallery^ already. 
Don^t you see them up there? The lady has lifted her 
veil, and it is floating gayly in the breeze. Get' out your 
glass^ old fellow^ and tell me if she is pretty. 

Don Meriadec drew his lorgnette from its case^, but be- 
fore he could use it^ the lady who had leaned upon the 
balustrade for an instant to rest^ disappeared with her 
escort. 

A total eclipse 1^^ cried the young surgeon. Put 
away your glass, and let us try to make up for lost time. 
The entrance to the tower is on the Eue du Cloitre. Come 
011 .^^ 

Let us have another look at this wonderful facade/ ^ 
said Meriadec, who was never in a hurry. 

You have seen it often enough from my window.'’^ 

I never tire of gazing at it, especially at the rose win- 
dow, in the middle. The sun is shining upon it just at this 
moment, and the panes glow as if they weia’e on fire.^^ 

Oh, the deuce take you, I say. I woiild rather see a 
pretty face than the handsomest rose window in the uni- 
verse V’ 

There is no poetry in your soul. I am well aware of 
that. But you must certainly grant me flve minutes to im- 
press this superb picture upon my memory. What a 2 )it 5 r 
I am not an artist 

Unfortunately you are only a lunatic. Did you ever 
hear any one go mad over a building in this fashion? If you 
donT lake care, you will end your days in an insane asylum. 
Come, I am determined not to miss my look at the lady 
. with the blue veil.’’^ 

As he spoke Daubrac seized his friend by the arm and 
tried to drag him along. But his efforts were fruitless. 
Meriadec was as obstinate as a mule, and his companion 
was obliged to wait until his rajDures were over. 

You will not miss it,^^ he remarked. I see her now 
upon the summit of the tower. 


12 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 


You are rights upon my word!^^ exclaimed Daubrac. 
It liasn^’t taken her long to make the ascent, and I begin 
to suspect that she is an Englishwoman. There, she has 
disa|)peared again. She has probably gone to yiew the 
panorama from a different point,- that is, unless she and 
her sweetheart have seated themselves in the middle of the 
platform to whisper tender nothings to each other. We 
will not disturb them, but when they come down, they will 
be obliged to pass close to us, for the space is narrow, and 
I hope, for your sake, it will be the Angel of the Bells who 
opens the door of the winding stairs for us.*^^ 

This time, Don Meriadec needed no urging to induce him 
to follow his young comrade, who was directing his steps 
toward the Rue du Oloitre, but they had not gone ten paces 
when they heard loud and excited cries, and saw the visi- 
tors who were leaving the hospital rush wildly toward the 
church. In another moment, quite a large crowd had 
gathered between the base of the south tower and the Seine. 

Some accident must have happened,^" remarked Dau- 
brac. 

Or some one must have flung himself from the top of 
the tower. 

It looks very much like it. Heaven grant that it was 
not the lady with the blue veil."^^ 

How absurd!’^ cried Meriadec. A lady who thinks 
of committing suicide would not be very likely to take her 
lover with her.'^'^ 

Let us go and see,^"" said Daubrac, philosophically. 

The person who has just taken this perilous leap certain- 
ly has no further need of my attention, but it is my busi- 
ness to testify to the fact that life is extinct. 

As they neared the crowd, the friends learned the real 
situation of affairs, for the bystanders were making loud 
and excited comments. 

She is still young, and she must have been pretty be- 
fore her face was disfigured by her fall upon the pave- 
ment. 

It certainly was not poverty that made her kill herself, 
for she is very richly dressed.'’^ 

And she has on a watch and chain, and diamond ear- 
rings, and gold bracelets, added another. 

When Daubrac announced that he was a physician, the 


THE ANCtEL of the BELLS. 


13 


crowd divided to let him pass. The circle had gathered 
around a dead body, and the corpse was that of a woman. 
She had fallen upon her head; the skull had been sliat- 
tered into fragments, and her face, which had been mashed 
to a jelly by the violence of the shock, was utterly unrecog- 
nizable. No one had dared to touch this bleeding body. 
Daubrac knelt upon the ground to examine it more closely, 
but, rising almost instantly, he said to the excited by- 
standers: 

Why are you standing here? You can certainly see 
that she was instantly killed by her fall. Go to the hospital 
for a litter, and send some policemen here.^^ 

Several willing men started to obey, and as they did so, 
the surgeon turned to his friend and whispered : 

Upon my word! I believe it is she!^^ 

^ ^ The lady who crossed the square on the arm of a gen- 
tleman, and whom we fancied we saw up there just now?''^ 
asked Meriadec. 

Yes. Don^t you see that it is the same costume — the 
same mantle — the same hat. Nothing is lacking except 
the blue veil, which was probably detached in her fall.^^ 

But how about the gentleman who was mth her?^^ ob- 
jected Meriadec. 

There was a violent scene upon the platform, probably 
a lover^s quarrel. He told her that he intended to break 
with her, perhaps, and in a paroxysm of despair, she sprung 
over the parapet before her lover had time to prevent it. 
The only reason he is not here before this, is because it is a 
long way down by the staircase. The poor woman chose 
the shortest route, but in a few minutes we shall see the 
conscience-stricken man come rushing down, and witness a 
scene of despair. 

I am by no means anxious, growled Meriadec. 
This sight is quite enough for me.^^ 

You will not have to endure it long. I see the police 
coming now, and the litter will be here in a moment, for 
we are only a few hundred yards from the hospital. I will 
take the body there, and then, if you like, we will go and 
inform Eose Verdiere of the accident. She can not have 
seen the fall, but she, perhaps, opened the door for the 
couple, so we have an excellent excuse for making the 
iicquaintance of the Angel of the Bells. 

Two policemen and a sergeant of gendarmes, who chanced 


14 


THE AiTGEL OF THE BELLS. 


to be on duty in the square, were aiDproaching, also two 
servants from the hospital, bearing a litter. 

See there,*’"’ cried Meriadec. You were right after 
all. Here comes the lover running with all his might. 

‘‘ What! that fellow who is gesticulating so wildly? Yo, 
indeed. In the first place he would not make his appear- 
ance from that quarter; besides, the lady^s escort had on a 
tall hat and this man wears a red cap. "’ ’ 

The man referred to, who was hastening up from the 
bridge, evidently had news of importance to communicate, 
for he was waving his arms wildly and uttering words that 
the two friends could }iot hear. He reached t^he crowd at 
the same time as the police and the litter-bearers, and rush- 
ing up to the sergeant, cried breathlessly:. 

What are you doing here? The woman is dead; you 
can not restore her to life, and if you stay here looking at 
her, the murderer will escape.*’^ 

The murderer exclaimed Meriadec and Daubrac in 
the same breath. 

Yes, the scoundrel who threw her from the top of the 
tower. 

What nonsense you are talking!’^ said the sergeant,, 
gruffly. 

I tell you I saw the deed. I was fishing from the bank 
on the other side of the river, and, as the fish. didnT bite, I 
amused myself by looking at the church. Glancing up at 
the tower, I could distinctly see a man and woman upon 
the platform, and while I stood watching them, the man 
suddenly stooped, seized the woman about the waist, and 
threw her over the parapet. 

^^You must have wonderful eyes,^^ growled the ser- 
geant. 

I have passably good ones, that is a fact. If you do 
not believe wharfs I say, come with me. He has not had 
time to come down, and if we make haste, we shall meet 
him on the stairs."’^ 

The gentleman is right, said Daubrac. Even if 
this should prove to be only a case of suicide, the person 
who witnessed it must be questioned. 

If you refuse to accompany me,^^ continued the man 
ill the red cajj, I shall go without you and arrest him un- 
aided.^^ 


THE AIS^GEL OE THE BELLS. 15 

You had better mind your own business. I know what 
I am about. Who are you^ anyway 

Jean Fabreguette, an artist, residing at No. 19 Eue de 
la Huchette. 

‘^And interposed Daubrac, am a surgeon at the 
hospital. My friend here is the Baron Meriadec. We can 
identify the man, for we saw him cross the square with this 
lady on his arm. 

The sergeant still hesitated, but seeing that the crowd 
seemed inclined to make a rush toward the door leading to 
the towers, he deemed it advisable to make a move in the 
same direction. 

In obedience to his orders, the body as placed upon the 
litter, and taken to the Hotel-Dieu. Some of the crowd 
followed it, the others constituted themselves an escort for 
the sergeant, who walked between Meriadec and Daubrac. 
Fabreguette preceded them. 

The crowd would certainly have invaded the tower, had 
not the sergeant stationed his subordinates at the entrance, 
with strict orders to allow only the two friends and the artist 
to 23ass. 

They soon reached the grating, and the sergeant rang. 

Mile. Eose promptly appeared upon the threshold. 

Do you gentlemen wish to visit the towers she in- 
quired, in a musical voice — a voice that went straight to 
Meriadec^ s heart. 

No, I wish to see your father, curtly replied the ser- 
geant. 

My father is sick.^^ 

^ ^ I know what that means. He has taken a droj) too 
much. That makes no difference, I must see him. Oioen 
the door.^^ 

The girl obeyed, and the sergeant entered Yerdiere^s 
room. The others contented themselves with stepping in- 
side the grating, and Daubrac said, smilingly: 

How do you do, mademoiselle?^^ 

Eose, who had often met him in the square, recognized 
him and replied, with a slight blush: 

Very well, thank you, monsieur. Will you be kind 
enough to explain — 

YVhat we are doing here? It will be an easy matter. 
We are looking for a gentleman who passed with a lady 
about twenty minutes ago.""^ 


16 


THE A^sTtEL OE the BELLS. 


They came in just as I reached honie/^ 

‘‘ You saw them^ then/’ 

No, I caught only a glimpse of them. My father, who 
is feeling quite ill to-day, left the grating open so he would 
not he disturbed, and I closed it only a few moments ago. 
Consequently, it so happened that the lady and gentleman 
went up without stopping. They will pay as they come 
down. 

You think they are still up there, then?^^ 

Certainly. 

‘‘ You are very much mistaken, mademoiselle. The lady 
certainly is not. She flung herself, or was flung, from the 
top of the tower. 

Good heavens 

‘ ‘ Do you understand now, why we are looking for the 
gentleman 

Before Eose, who had turned pale with emotion, could 
find time to reply, the sergeant reappeared in the door-way 
leading into the corridor, breathing bitter curses upon the 
keeper of the tower 

I knew it!^^ he muttered. The brute is dead drunk. 
He is paid for watching the towers, and when his daughter 
is not at home, one can come in and go out without the 
slightest hinderance. So much the worse for him ! I am 
certainly going to report hini.^^ 

Oh, sir, I beseech you — 

Hush!^^ whispered Daubrac, some one is coming 
down.-’-’ The sound of footsteps could be distinctly heard 
on the staircase above. The sergeant seized Eose by the 
arm, pushed her into the keeper^s room, motioned his com- 
panions to form in line across the stairway, and stationed 
himself alone on the step in front of them. An instant 
afterward, the individual who was descending, came in 
sight, but stopped short on perceiving them. 

Daubrac and Meriadec recognized him instantly. It was 
certainly the attendant of the lady with the blue veil. He 
had a handsome face, a superb figure, and the distinguished 
air of a person who moves in the best society. He ex- 
hibited some annoyance on seeing the stairway thus 
obstructed, but waited patiently for the party to divide and 
allow him to pass. 

His manner underwent a sudden change, however, when 
the sergeant ordered him to advaiice. 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 17 

Is it to me you are speaking?’^ lie asked^ drawing him- 
self up haughtily. 

Yes^ to you. I have a few words to say to you. Step 
into the keeper^ s room with me. 

Y^ou must be mistaken in the person; stilly I will con- 
sent to follow you and hear what 3^ou have to say^ provided 
you will be quick about it.'’'^ • 

The sergeant pointed to the door and made the stranger 
pass in ahead of him. Father Yerdiere was stretched out 
upon the bed, breathing heavily in his drunken slumber. 
His daughter had taken her stand by his bedside. Meri- 
adec, Daubrac and the artist lost no time in following the 
sergeant, who opened the conversation by saying: 

Was it not you who went up into the tower with a ladj 
a few moments ago?^^ 

Tli^ stranger turned a trifle pale, but curtly replied : 

May I ask what business that is of yours 

These gentlemen saw you crossing the square, arm in 
arm; mademoiselle, here, saw you ascend the stairs from 
the door of the room in which we are now standing. 

And what of it?^^ 

Then you admit the fact?^^ 

Admit what? And what possible right have you tn 
question me?'’^ 

I want to know what has become of the lady?^*’ 

She has left the church.'’^ 

Alone? Without yoli?^^ 

Yes. If you doiiH believe me, you can go up and 
see.'’^ 

That is not necessary, I know where she is, and I am 
going to take you to her. We will see if you do not recog- 
nize her.-^^ 

These last words made a very evident impression upon 
the stranger, and certainly a by no means pleasant one. 

I think you must be jesting, he said, in a less confi- 
dent tone. I should be obliged to you if you would ex- 
plain more clearly. What do you want of me?^^ 

You v/ill soon know, sir. Walk on ahead of me, if 
you please,'’^ he added, pointing to the stairway. 

So be it. I yield, but I assure you that you shall paj 
dearly for this abuse of your authority. Where are you 
going to take me?^^ 

Only a short distance from here — to the Hotel-Dieu. 


18 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 


To the Hotel-Dieii!^^ exclaimed the stranger. Has 
any accident happened to — 

To this lady?^^ sneered the sergeant. Yes. Hoes 
the news surprise you?^^ 

A serious accident 

It is useless for you to pretend ignorance 
I assure you that^I am so entirely in the dark that I 
beg you will take me to the lady as quickly as possible. 

‘^Are you in such very great haste? Have patience. 
You will not be kej)t in susjoense long. Go on ahead of 
ns/^ he added, turning to the others, and tell my men to 
02)en a way through the crowd. 

It had been difficult to convince him of the truth of the 
artistes assertions, but he was so thoroughly convinced now 
that he no longer doubted that he had ca|)tured a murderer. 
He even hoped that this capture would insure his promo- 
tion. Meriadec and Haubrac did not know what to think, 
but Fabreguette was highly elated. 

Well, I seem to have interfered to some puiq^ose!^^ he 
chuckled. Had it not been for me, that old stupid Avould 
still be gazing at the body of the victim, and the villain 
would have made his esca2:^e; but now, thanks to me, we 
have him safe."^^ 

Are you sure?^^ asked Haubrac. This gentleman 
does not look in the least like an assassin.'’^ 

Why not? Because he is dressed in the latest fasliion? 
That is no jDroof whatever. 

His composure certainly does not seem to be at all 
ruffled, remarked Meriadec. 

He seems bold enough nowq but wait until he is 
brought face to face with his victim.'’^ 

Ho you think they will allow you to be present ?^^ 

Of course. I am the only eye-witness of the affair. 
My presence is indispensable,^^ was the complacent re- 
sponse. 

They had How reached the outer door, and Fabreguette 
transmitted the necessary orders to the two |)olicemen 
stationed there. Several other officers had arrived, for the 
ne'ws of the tragical event had spread through the neigh- 
borhood witli the swiftiiess of lightning, and the nearest 
■commissioner of police had been prom^Dtly notified, as is 
usual in such cases. 

But the crowd had increased correspondingly, and the 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


19 


! officers had considerable difficulty in keejDing back the 
: curious during the short journey from the Eue da Cloitre 
I to the hospital. 

The commissioner^ arrayed in his scarf of office^ was. 
! awaiting the party in the yestibule, and^ after ordering the 
! doors to be closed to keep out the crowd, he held a confer- 
I ence with the sergeant, who acquainted him with all the 
I particulars of the affair. 

During this conversation, Meriadec and Daubrac had an 
opportunity to examine the accused more closely than they 
laad been able to do on the dimly lighted stairway. He 
appeared to be about thirty-five years of age, and had a 
very dark complexion. He was i^owerfully built, and wore 
long mustaches, though his beard was trimmed in military 
fashion. 

He looks like an army officer, whispered Daubrac. 

Just then the commissioner, who had listened attentively 
to every word of his subordinate's report, entered an 
adja.cent room, after giving orders for the gentlemen to 
follow him. When they entered it, escorted by the ser- 
geant, they found the magistrate seated at a table, and the 
suspected man had begun the conversation without wait- 
ing to be questioned. 

Sir,^^ he said, with ill-suppressed anger, I trust you 
will put an immediate end to a shameful and absurd perse- 
cution. Your subordinates have dragged me here like some 
common malefactor, and I have been unable to extort the 
slightest explanation from them. Will you be so kind as to 
tell me of wha-t I am accused 

I will tell you whatever you may be ignorant of,-’^ re- 
plied the magistrate, severely; but I must first ask you to 
answer the questions I am about to put to you.'’^ 

“ I foresee your questions. You are going to ask me, as 
the sergeant has already done, if I entered the tower of 
Notre Dame with a lady. Very well, I have not the 
slightest desire to deny it. 

It would be impossible for you to deny it even if you 
wished to do so. You were seen to do it by several persons. 
What took you there 

‘ ^ The same desire that actuates other visitors — a desire 
to obtain a bird^s-eye view of Paris on a fine day.^^ 

Tlien you ascended to the platform on top of the south 
tower 


THE A^n^GEL of the BELLS. 


^0 


'No, sir. The climb proved too severe for the lady who 
accompanied me, and we paused in the gallery that extends 
across the whole front of the church at the base of the two 
towers. 

Did you remain there long?^^ 

Only a short time, on the contrary; certainly not over 
a quarter of an hour. The wind was blowing hard at the 
time, causing a very disagreeable drai^ht, and the lady 
nould not stand it, so she decided to come down.^'’ 

I understand all that, but what I do fail to understand 
is why you did not do the same. Why did you remain in 
this gallery when it was so uncomfortable?^^ 

The answer to this question was a long time in coming, 
but finally the stranger said rather reluctantly, and like a 
man who could find nothing better to say: 

The wind did not annoy me.^^- 
The reply was so unsatisfactory that the two friends ex- 
changed meaning glances. 

What!^^ exclaimed the commissioner, you are w^alk- 
ing out with a lady; you go up into a gallery with her; she 
is uncomfortable there, and wishes to leave it, and you 
allow her to depart alone! Confess that such a thing is 
highly improbable on the part of a man who seems to move 
in the best society, as you do.'’^ 

Such was the case, nevertheless. She had her reasons 
for going without me.'^^ 

What reasons?^'’ 

I do not know.^^ 

And she left you thus abruptly and without telling you 
why? That is certainly very strange. 

A truce to this jesting, sir! I certainly am not obliged 
to answer questions that seem utterly aimless.'’^ 

‘'You can at least tell me whether or not this lady was 
jour wife?^'^ 

I am not married. 

‘ ^ And you fear to compromise the lady by explaining 
further. You refuse, I understand, to give her name?^^ 
Absolutely. 

She is doubtless a married lady, and in maintaining 
this determined silence on her account, you pretend you 
are acting the part of an honorable man. That is all very 
well, but I warn you that your reserve will not prevent us 
from learning who she is.-'’ 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


21 


The stranger started slightly. The commissioner had 
touched a weak point, and he now added, in a more friend- 
ly tone : 

I shall know before the day closes, so you had better 
tell me the name — in confidence, of course. If you are not 
guilty, I will keep your secret, while if you persist in your 
silence — 

j Guilty of what? This is the tentlr time I have asked 
I this question. I certainly have a right to know before an- 
swering you. Once more, I ask you of what I am ac- 
cused?'’'' 

Of having murdered this woman. 

‘‘ Eeally, this is too absurd. I can scarcely believe you 
would jest in the exercise of your magisterial functions. I 
prefer to believe that 1 am the viction of a mistake that it 
is quite unnecessary for me to rectify. I shall wait until 
the error is corrected. 

Then you absolutely refuse to give any explanation 
whatever ?^^ 

More firmly than ever."" 

The commissioner rose, made a sign to the sergeant, who 
stepped to a little door at the end of the room, and opened 
it. 

Step in here,"" he said, turning to the accused. Then, 
addressing the three witnesses, he added : 

Will you have the goodness to follow me, gentlemen?"" 

The stranger walked to the door without betraying any 
sign of emotion, and entered an unfurnished room, in the 
center of which stood a large table, upon which lay a body 
covered with a cloth. 

On perceiving this he paused, and said, coldly: 

Very well. I understand. You are going to bring me 
face to face with the dead. You might have spared your- 
self the trouble, sir, for it will not terrify me in the least."" 

At a gesture from the commissioner, the sergeant lifted 
the cloth, and the form of the dead woman was disclosed 
to view. The stranger turned pale, and recoiled in horror, 
but he quickly mastered this instinctive repugnance, and 
hastening toward the body, he examined the disfigured 
features carefully, and said, as if speaking to himself: 
‘‘Thank heaven, I do not know her. I thought for an 
instant that it was she. I was mistaken, thank God!"" 

There was a silence. The commissioner, whose plan had 


22 


THE AE^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


failed^ bit his lips; the two friends did not know what to 
think of this coolness^ and even Fabreguette began to have 
his doubts 

I understand now/^ repeated the accused. You 
suspect me of having thrown this unfortunate woman from 
the tower. I do not know whether she committed suicide 
or whether some one pushed her off^ but I am sure that I 
never saw her before. 

Instead of contradicting this assertion^ the commissioner 
joroceeded to examine the witnesses^, first taking their names 
and addresses. Daubrac and Meriadec declared that they 
recognized the prisoner from having seen him cross the 
square with a lady on • his arm^ but that they Avere not 
equally sure that the dead body Avas that of the same lady. 

Fabreguette repeated that he had Avitnessed the tragedy 
from the river bank^ Avhere he Avas fishing; that he had seen 
a man lift a struggling Avoman and fling her into space. 
But he had been too far off to distinguish the faces, and 
consequently could not SAvear that the perpetrator of the 
crime Avas the man arrested upon the toAver stairs. 

These depositions 23roved nothing, and the stranger 
listened to them Avith very evident satisfaction. Still, the 
commissioner Avould not admit himself beaten. 

“You have heard 'the testimony,^ ^ he said. “These 
. gentlemen are uiiAvilling to take the responsibility of saying 
that you are the guilty party, but I shall unquestionably 
succeed in establishing this Avoman^s identity. Even if ne 
visiting cards or papers should be found upon her person,, 
she Avill certainly be identified at the morgue, Avhere I am 
going to send her. I Avill not ask you her name, as you 
2 :)retend not to knoAV her, but I sup230se there is nothing tG 
23revent you from telling me yours. AVhat is your name? 
Where do you liv^e? And what is your profession 

“ I Avill answer none of these questions,^^ Avas the firm 
response. 

“So be it. The judge of instruction Avill have no diffi- 
culty in discovering who you are."’^ 

“ I will perhaps tell him. To you, I aatII reveal noth- 
ing, 23articularly in the presence of these persons who have 
been the cause of my arrest. 

“ Then there is nothing left for me but to send you to 
the de23ot. I Avill take you there myself. Sergeant, send 
for a carriage. You Avill afterAvard see that this Avoman^s 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


23 


body is taken to the morgue as soon as j^ossible. You, 
gentlemen, are at liberty to retire, but you must hold your- 
self at the disposal of the magistrate to whom the investiga- 
tion of this case will be intrusted. You will 23robably be 
summoned to the palace to-morrow. 

These words were equivalent to a dismissal, and the three 
witnesses immediately left the room; nor were they un- 
grateful for the opportunity to exchange opinions and im- 
2 )ressions. 

They paused on the portico for consultation, and soon 
iound that all three of them held entirely different opinions 
in regard to the mysterious affair in which they had played 
such an important part. 

Fabreguette persisted in the belief that the accused was 
the assassin; Daubrac declined to venture an opinion, and 
'Meriadec seemed to think that the gentleman was the vic- 
tim of a mistake. The surgeon, however, j)ut an end to 
the discussion by announcing that the hour for his evening- 
round had arrived, and they all parted in the most friendly 
manner. Fabreguette, without troubling himself further 
in regard to the consequences of the arrest, went to find the 
fishing line he had forgotten upon the bank, thus leaving 
-Meriadec to his reflections. 

And they were gloomy enough, for this unusually con- 
scientious man had taken the affair deejoly to heart, and 
greatly feared that he had aided in bringing about the in- 
carceration of an innocent man. 

The gentleman whom tha commissioner had so sum- 
marily disj)atched to the depot, had defended himself as 
any honest man accused of an atrocious crime would de- 
fend himself. It was very possibly only a case of suicide, 
and if the woman had really been thrown from the summit 
of the tower, the first thing to be done was to ascertain if 
the gentleman and the lady of the blue veil, were alone at 
fhe time of the catastrophe. 

Meriadec, therefore, decided to com23lete,. for his own 
satisfaction, an investigation that seemed to him much too 
hasty and su 2 )erficial, and the idea of immediately 2^ayhig a 
visit to the scene of the crime occurred to him. 

Perhaps a desire to catch another glimpse of the Angel 
of the Bells had something to do with this resolve. One 
thing is certain. Rose Verdiere had charmed him, and he 
felt attracted toward her by a sentiment which he could 


24 


THE AIsGEL OF THE HELLS. 


hardly define^ but which strongly resembled the dawn of 
love. 

It is almost ridiculous^ at the age of thirty-eighty to fall 
in love at first sights with a girl young enough to loe your 
daughtery but the last of the Meriadecs possessed an ex« 
tremely susceptible temperament — still another point of 
resemblance to Don QuixotOy the redresser of wrongSy and 
lover of every fair Dulcinea who crossed his path. 

His lifey like that of his favorite herOy was destined to be 
spent in defending the oppressedy and adoring women who 
cared little or nothing for him. 

He had begn born in ConcarneaUy Brittanyy of a father 
who wanted to make him a country gentlemaiiy content to 
reside on his manoi'y and improve his lands; and this father 
had prevented him from following his natural inclinationso. 
Young Meriadec would have made a splendid soldier or 
sailory but he was obliged to be content to do nothing but 
hunty ridOy and dream of warfare and love. When he found 
himself his own mastery he was* too old to enter the armyy 
and was consequently obliged to be content with traveling 
in quest of adventures that never presented themselves. In 
1870y he enrolled himself as a volunteery but no ojDportunity 
to win distinction offered itselfy and he finally took up his 
abode in Parisy where he led the life suited to one of his 
tastes. 

He sold his estateSy deposited the proceeds in the Bank of 
PrancOy and established himself in a modest house on the 
Eue OassettOy where he lived in retirementy attended only 
by a single woman-servant. His sole occupation consisted 
in seeking out the unfortunatey and relieving their wantSy, 
and it was while visiting the hospitals on this errand that 
he had made Daubrac^’s acquaintance. 

As yet he had met only those ordinary cases of destitu- 
tion which could be relieved without any greater trouble 
than an unloosening of his purse-stringSy though he occa~ 
sionally found an opportunity to risk his life by stopping a 
runaway horsey or leaping into the river to rescue some de- 
spairing creature; but this did not satisfy the thirst for self- 
sacrifice that consumed him. 

He dreamed of impossible acts of heroism and abnega- 
tion; he dreamedy tooy of loving and being loved; but up 
to the present time he had found no worthy object upon 
whom to lavish the wealth of affection that filled his heart. 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


25 


In seeking another interview with Eose Verdiere, he also 
had a benevolent motive — that of discovering some means 
of assisting a man who was unjustly accused. 

After Fabreguette^s departure he accordingly directed 
liis steps toward the Eue du Cloitre-J^otre Dame. The ex- 
citement had in a great measure subsided^ and the square 
was beginning to wear its usual aspect^ though there were 
still a few persons lingering about the spot that the un- 
fortunate woman had stained with her blood. Two police- 
men were still on guard at the entrance to the tower; and 
Meriadec said to himself that they must liave received orders 
to prevent any one from coming in or going out. 

Meriadec therefore concluded that even if th*e real culprit 
was still in the tower, he would be unable to leave it with- 
out giving the explanation the officers would be sure to de- 
mand; and that these same officers, on the other hand, 
would not allow him, Meriadec, to enter without a permit, 
which he was unwilling to ask of the commissioner. He 
was about to renounce his scheme, therefore, when he sud- 
denly recollected that there was another e]itran,ce to the 
staircase inside the church. He accordingly retraced his 
steps, entered the church, and perceiving to the right of 
the nave a notice indicating the, way to the tower, he took 
it without loss of time. 

The guards stationed in the street did not see him; and 
a few seconds brought him to the grating, which he was 
glad to find closed. Had it been open he would not have 
dared to enter the keeper^s room, while his ring would be 
almost certain to bring the young girl, who would hardly 
refuse to talk with him. She came in answer to the bell, 
as he had anticipated, and she promptly opened the grating 
for him; but he was struck by the change in her appear- 
ance. She was very pale; and one could see by her swollen 
€yes that she had been weeping. 

What is the matter, mademoiselle?^^ he asked, almost 
affectionately. 

Hothing,^^ she murmured, only this affair has upset 
me completely. Oh, sir, is it true that the poor woman — 

Too true, alas! I have seen her body, shattered by 
the fall. 

And was she thrown down by her companion ?^^ 

I am inclined to think so; but though he has been 
arrested, he may succeed in exculpating himself. I hojoe 


26 


THE A:tsGEL OE THE BELLS. 

SO, for his sake, and also for yours, mademoiselle; for if he 
is guilty, the authorities may hold your father responsible 
for what has ha|)pened.'’^ 

That is what I am very much afraid of; and if he 
should lose his place, I donT know what would become of 

US.'’^ 

You will always have one friend, said Meriadec quick- 
ly, “ and I beg that you will count upon me. All I pos- 
sess is at your disjDOsal, and I stand ready to defend you 
against all who may seek to injure you. Excuse me, a 
comparative stranger, for saying this, and pray do not im- 
pute to me any but the most honorable intentions. Dau- 
brac will tell you that I am an honorable man, utterly in- 
capable of betraying any confidence you may see fit to place 
in me.^^ 

The girl frowned slightly at this unexpected declaration; 
but Meriadec^ s honest face reassured her, and she answered 
with a smile: 

I thank you, sir, and I shall not hesitate to call upon 
you should necessity require. But was it to merely offer 
me your services that you took the trouble to climb up 
here?^^ 

No,^^ was the frank rejjly. I wish to go up into the 
tower and satisfy myself that there is no one there. That- 
is what the sergeant should have done in the first jDlace. 
AVill you allow me to go up? 

Yes, on condition that you say nothing about it,, 
for I might be blamed for the same violation of duty as my 
father. 

No one shall even know that I have spoken to you. I 
entered by the door opening from the nave, and h shall 
leave the building in the same way. I will rejDort as I 
come down. 

As he spoke, he began to climb the stone steps, hoping, 
of course, that his expedition would not be entirely fruit- 
less; but he was by no means prepared for the surprise that 
awaited him at the top of the first staricase. Meriadec,. 
thanks to the long legs with which nature had endowed 
him, made the ascent very rapidly; so rapidly, in fact, that 
he was obliged to pause and take breath on reaching the 
first gallery. This gallery was deserted ; and, as the gentle- 
man had said, the wind wdiistled through it with very un- 
comfortable violence. 


^ THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. ^ 27 

Meriadec ventured upon it, however, after a short ]Dause, 
and on reaching the middle of it, he leaned back against 
the balustrade to glance up at the top of the towers; then, 
seeing no one there, he turned to look down at the square, 
■where little groups of people were still standing. 

The sight interested him but slightly; but as he leaned 
over the granite railing, he made a singular discovery. 
Directly under him, clinging to the sharp corners of a pro- 
jecting ornament, was a blue veil — the blue veil worn by 
the lady he had seen passing through the square on the arm 
of the accused; and Meriadec instantly asked himself how 
this veil could have coma there. The crime having been 
committed upon the platform of the south tower, the veil 
would naturally have fallen from the same side as the un- 
fortunate victim ; and even supposing that it had become 
detached during her fall, the wind, which was blowing 
from the north, would not have taken it to the west side of 
the church. 

However this might have been, the veil was an impor- 
tant article of conviction which Meriadec thought it advis- 
able to secure. 

His cane had a crooked handle, and, by maneuvering 
adroitly, he finally succeeded in detaching and lifting the 
veil. All gauze veils are very much alike, and a* close ex- 
amination of this one told him nothing except that it was a 
new one which had probably been purchased that very day, 
for a tiny tag was still attached to the rubber cord which 
served to fasten it on the bonnet — a tiny tag upon which 
the price of the article was written. 

Meriadec folded the veil carefully and placed it in his 
pocket, mentally resolving to show it to the investigating 
magistrate; then, encouraged by his discovery, he resumed 
Iiis journey of exploration. 

The staircase he had just climbed is in the north tower, 
and to continue his journey it was necessary for him to 
oross the gallery and continue the ascent by way of the 
south tower — the one in which the famous bells hang. 

Meriadec was about to enter it when he beheld , upon the 
lower step, a child, whose appearance astonished him. This 
child, who stared wonderingly at him, was probably about 
eight or nine years of age. He wore a shabby cap and a 
gray blouse, but his face was not that of a Paris qamin by 
any means. 


28 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


He had the fair complexion of a carefully reared child; 
large^ bright blue eyes^ beautiful golden hair^ cut square 
across his forehead, and a haughty air that did not har- 
monize with his costume. 

What are you doing here?^'’ asked Meriadec, in aston- 
ishment. 

The child blushed, drew himself up proudly, and replied 
in words which the baron did not understand, but which,, 
from the tone in which they were uttered, must have been 
rather insulting ones. 

What language are you speaking, my little friend 
asked Meriadec gently, more anymore amazed. 

My own,'’^ replied the lad, in French, ‘"but I know 
yours, too, and I forbid you to call me your friend. I 
donT know you.'’^ 

Meriadec was amazed beyond expression; but he began 
to suspect that this strange little fellow could give him some 
very useful information, perhaps even solve for him the 
mystery he was so anxious to clear up, and he resolved to 
make a conquest of him by kindness if possible. 

DonT take offense, my little man,^^ he said j^leasantly.. 

I am looking for a lady and gentleman who went up inta 
the tower a little while ago. Perhaps you will tell me if 
you have seen them?’^ 

I have only seen papa and mamma, replied the child. 

I came here with them; but I was too tired to go any 
further. 

Then they are still up there 

Yes; I am Avaiting for them. Mamma told me to 
amuse myself by looking at the big bell; but I soon got 
tired of that. I have seen a much larger one in my own 
country — in Eussia. 

You are a Eussian, then?^^ 

Yes. It surprises you because I am dressed like a 
Paris gamin, but I only disguised myself for the fun of the 
thing. It is your carnival time, papa told me. He was. 
mistaken, and I have had no fun at all; but this eA^ening I 
Avill put on my pretty neAV suit again. 

Meriadec was petrified with horror and astonishment. It 
seemed plain that this poor child^s parents had brought him 
here Avith the intention of abandoning him, and that the*^ 
father had thrown his Avife from the platform above. This 
wretch certainly could not be the man the commissioner of 


j THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 29' 

i police had just sent to the depot, as the couple Meriadec and 
Daubrac had seen had no child with them. What ought 
I he to do? It was impossible to tell the lad that his mother 
had just been murdered, and by whom? The kind-hearted 
baron resolved to do that only as a last resort; but he did 
not abandon his hope of discovering the murderer, who^ 
probably had not yet found an opportunity to reach the. 
street. 

They will not stay much longer, he said in his gen-^ 
tlest tones. Would you like to go Avith me to meet 
them?'’'’ 

The child eyed Meriadec sharply. 

Who are you?'’"’ he asked. I wonT walk about Avitk 
everybody. 

I am the Baron de Meriadec.'’^ 

Oh, then you are a gentleman. I will go with you.'’'’ 

Thank you for your confidence in me,^'’ replied the 
Avorthy Breton, who had not yet recovered from his sur- 
23rise at hearing a child of nine years speak in such a man- 
ner. 

He alloAved the child to precede him, and had not a little 
difiiculty in keeping up with him, so lithe were the young 
Eussian'’s movements. They found no one ujDon the jDlat- 
form. Meriadec was not disappointed, for he did not sup- 
pose that the murderer had remained there; but the child 
turned pale, and his eyes filled with tears. 

Mamma! what has become of mamma?'’'’ he mur- 
mured. 

Meriadec had not the heart to tell him the truth. 

She is looking for you, probably,^'’ he replied. I 
Avill bet almost anything that you didiiT remain in the 
}3lace where she left you.'’ ^ 

That is true. I went all through the big room Avhere 
the bells are. I even got lost, and had a great deal of 
trouble in finding the door where I Avent in. ’'’ 

Oh, Avell, your mamma must have thought that you 
had gone doAvn-stairs, and she has probably done the same^ 
We shall doubtless find her below at the church door. 

Then take me Avhere you think she is as quick as you 
can,^^ begged the child. 

Meriadec needed no urging, but hastened down-stairs- 
with the boy, Avho manifested no further distrust of him* 
A feAv words acquainted Eose Avith the situation of affairs,, 


20 


THE Ais-GEL OE THE BELLS. 


and in five minutes they had reached the outer door of the 
church. 

The child, seeing that his mother was not there, began 
to weep bitterly; and Meriadec tried to console him by say- 
ing affectionately: 

‘‘ DonT cry, my little friend. I will take you to your 
mother^ s house. Where does she live?^^ 

I doiTt know. We arrived in Paris only last night. 

Wliat was the name of the street 

I didiiT notice. I was asleep when we got there, and 
I did not wake until noon to-day; and we went out imme- 
diately afterward. 

But you would recognize the house if I should take you 
to it, would you not?^^ 

I think so.^^ 

Well, we will look for it together. You are not afraid 
of me now, I hope. '''' 

I am not afraid of any one.^^ 

Then you will not refuse to go home with me and rest 
until I can make arrangements to start out with you in 
search of your home?^^ 

Iso; only I am so tired that I can not walk any fui'--' 
ther. I am hungry, too.'’"’ 

We will take a carriage; and I can give you something 
to satisfy your hunger when we reach my house, replied 
Meriadec. If we do not . succeed in finding the house, 
we will resort to some other means. What is your name, 
my dear ^ 

■ “Sacha.” _ rU 

“ I mean your family name?” ' 

I have no other. That is the Eussianfor Alexander/^ 

And what is your mother^ s name?^^ 

Xenia. She is a countess.’’^ 

Xenia; that is her Christian name, of course. But 
your father, what is his name?^^ 

• Paul Constantinowitch. 

Still another Christian name,^^ thought Meriadec. 

Evidently this is all the poor little fellow knows; and it 
is useless for me to question him further. 

He hailed a passing carriage, entered it in company with 
Sacha, and told the coachman to drive to the Eue Cassette. 
He at first thought of taking the child to the office of the 
commissioner of police, but he finally resolved to conduct 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


31 


|;he investigation unaided — to discover tlie assassin, avenge 
the dead woman, and secure for the orphan lad the fortune 
pf which a cruel father probably wished to defraud him. 
The child fell asleep upon the barony’s shoulder. He was. 
I [sleeping so soundly vdien they reached the Eue Cassette,. 

I ihat Meriadec was obliged to carry him into the house in 
■ Ids arms; and he accomplished this feat without waking 

I I dm. 

: At last I have found something to give me an interest 

jin life,^^ he said to himself as he ascended the stairs. 

I ^ ‘ There is nothing wanting now except a wife to love me.*’’^ 


CHAPTER II. 

, ' A JUDGE OF IHSTEUCTIOH is always an important person-- 
I iige in France, for it is he who plays the leading role in all 
priminal cases. The fate of the accused is in his hands:: 
^ find he is endowed with absolute indej)endence of action, 
i S3ut when this magistrate is a man of distinguished birtli 
I ( . ucknovvdedged talent, as well as integrity, he is a still 

, niore important personage, and even his superiors in office 
recognize his authority. 

This was the case with Hugh de Malverne, the scion of an 
ancient family, the possessor of an income of eighty thou- 
sand francs, and the husband of a charming wife whose 
alon most jDopular in Paris. 

^ This magistrate had all the qualities necessary to 
^cessful discharge of his difficult duties — an ab-. 
Vdiality, unvarying coolness, and remarkable 
Wrnment. 

iral consequence, he was generally selected for 
hhe investigation of unusually difficult and delicate case& 
tike that of the tragedy of Hotre Dame. 

He had been promjDtly notified of it, and at noon, on 
• ihe day following the crime, he was in his office at the pal- 
lace, ready to question the accused and hear the witnesses 
vho had been summoned that same morning. While wait- 
ng for them to make their ajipearance, he listened to the 
! 'acts of the case as related by the commissioner of police,. 

; ind seemed by no means pleased with the report rendered* 
It seems to me that you have not acted very wisely in 


22 


THE Ai^GEL OE THE BELLS, 


1 


this matter/'’ he said, coldly. It may be that you have 
discovered the culprit, and it may be that you have made a 
great mistake in arresting this man. There is nothing to 
prove that he is the culprit, nor even to prove that any 
crime has been committed, as this is very 23ossibly a case 
of suicide. You should have lost no time in examining 
every nook and corner of the church. In that case, you 
would be sure that no one was concealed there, for others 
beside the accused may have ascended the tower. 

Search was made, sir,'’"’ replied the commissioner, re- 
spectfully. I superintended it myself, after imprisoning 
the man who refused to tell his name.^'’ 

That was too late. The other man had plenty <^f time 
to make his escape.'’^ it . 


Pardon me, sir; I stationed a guard at the foot* off the 


staircase, and am certain that no one left the to^ps^j^.^er I 
did. The keeper'’ s daughter will also testif;^ dra tiiis fact. 

I examined all the upper j^art of the church carefn/iy — the 
dowers, galleries, and roofs — and found nothingi 

And was there no sign of any struggle on the platform 
from which the woman fell •• ^ p, 

JSTone whatever. Besides, the attempt mustfistve-a^: i| 
her by surprise. According to fc^timony of the artist 
who witnessed the scene from a the woman, who 

was leaning ujDQii the balustrade seized 

around the waist and thrown headlong into s|)ace before 
she had an opjoortunity to defend herself. The onlv thin^i 
of a suspicious nature that I could discover 


ht- 


door-a small door in the narrow gallery 
roof 01 the nave. It seems that this aow . 
locked; but I can not see how a man coidd rmli it ■ 
the tower. He would certainly be oblige(^’t'€^ 
fulleap.'’'’ \ 

But admitting that he could reach i\ ^'lere wou. 
take him?'’^ . . 

To an inner stairway built in the wall on th<! 
the nave, and ending at a door behind the choir. 

Then the cidprit might have made his escape in that 
i\'ay, you think 

It seems to me very improbable.'’'’ 

If it were barely possible, it would cause 
strong doubts of your prisoner's guilt. In fact, thus far, 
there is only circumstantial evidence against him.''’ 


^HE ANGEL OE THE BELLS. 


33 


Blit cii ciimstantial eyiclence of tlie strongest kind, sir. 
It seems to me that his refusal to tell his name is in itself 
almost conclusive proof of his guilt. 

He refused to tell it to you, but he perhaps will not re- 
iuse to disclose it to me. He may have his reasons for 
heijig unwilling to reveal the truth except to the judge of in- 
struction. He certahily is not so unsophisiicated as to sup- 
pose that the authorities will not succeed in discovering 
wh 9 he is; and he will tell me, because he can trust me to 
keep his secret if his innocence is established. From your 
de?t>^Al^)n of him, I judge that he must be a man of the 
world. 

T i^iink so; but he took a strange precaution before 
home yesterday. They searched the prisoner, as 
nsual he reached the depot, .and no |)ocket-book or 

visiting-cards' or papers of any description were found upon 
his jiercon — nothing but about twenty louis in his vest- 
pocket. It looked Yery much as if he had anticipated this 
arrest, and. taken measures to preserve his incognito.'’^ 

’TlUt 1$ singular, I admit, but by no means conclusive, 
ind ‘ as6tiut the lady?^^:< ^ 

JShe had on some otute valuable jewelry; but there was 
not a penny of money '^a scrap of writing anywhere about 
lieit ' She was well dp^^ssed; her under-clothing was of the 
finest kind, and engraved upon her watch-case was an initial 
sv^^^nnted by a coronet. Her hands were^white, and her 
feet small i and well shaped. Her face was disfigured be- 
yond any 230s^?^Uty of recognition. 

Still, her Fody should be sent to the morgue. 

^ ^ It has there since early this morning. It has 
drawn a crowd;' i hear; but no one has recognized her.'’^ 

How old fihpuld you suppose her to be?^^ 

^^'Thirty-four or five.’’"’ 

, you think her companion w^as her husband or 
Jov eT?^ ' 

Ever 3 rthing seems to indicate that he was a lover. 

there is a husband, probably; and tliis husband 
will 9-'^p^dily discover his wife^s disaj) 2 )earance. It is not 
imp voxpie that' he may come to the morgue, for he will see 
an ciccii>mt of the affair in the papers. 

Yes, if he is in Paris; but I should not be surjirised if 
the woman is . a foreigner. Her clothing is rich, but it is 
2 . . 


34 THE AKGEL OE THE BELLS. 

wanting in cliic; and the letter engraved upon her watch 
is an ^ 

Xavier is the only name in our language that com- 
mences with an X. ; at least the only one I can think of^. 
and Xavier is a many’s name. Have you made any inquiries 
in regard to the witnesses I have summoned 

Yes^ sir. One is a surgeon at the Hotel-Dieu, a very 
industrious and clever young maii^ they say, highly es- 
teemed by his superiors in rank, and a great favorite with 
his comrades. The other is a Breton of noble descent, aii 
eccentric sort of person, who has resided in Paris several 
years. He leads a very exemplary life, and enjoys an ex- 
cellent reputation in the locality in which he resides. 

These are the persons who saw the couple crossing the 
square. But how about the third, the one who pretends to 
have seen the crime committed 

He is a penniless painter, who lives in a shabby den in 
the fifth story of a house on the Bue*de la Huchette; but 
he does not seem to be an ill-disposed person by any 
means. 

What you say would hardly warrant me in accepting- 
his testimony without reservation; and the charge seems to 
rest entirely upon his testimony, for if he had not told a 
story which may be solely the work of his imagination, eveiy 
one would feel satisfied that this was a case of suicide.''^ 

That is true, sir, but he seems to be perfectly honest;, 
besides, what interest could he possibly have — 

The desire to secure notoriety; besides, he may have^ 
beeii mistaken, at that distance. I will question him, how- 
ever; and it will not take me long to discover whether or 
not his statements are worthy of confidence. But I am 
first going to give the accused a hearing, and after I ^lave 
done so, I believe I shall know what to think of this ai‘|air. 
Have you anything more that you wish to say to me?^^ 

Nothing, sir, unless it be to add that the keeper of: tho 
towers neglects his duties in an inexcusable manner. If he * 
had not been intoxicated, he would, not have forgotten to^ 
close the grating at the foot of the stairway, in which case 
Ave should know who entered and Avho left the church; and 
if the investigation should prove a failure, it will be Yer- 
diere^'s fault. 

Yon had better report his neglect of duty, and request 
his removal, I will hear the daughter's testimony after 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 35 

that of the other witnesses. ISTow^ sir, I will detain you no 
longer. I have sent to the depot for the prisoner. As you 
pass out, will you have the goodness to tell the soldier on 
guard at the door of my cabinet, to send the prisoner in as 
soon as he arrives, and to ^6nd him in alone? His guard 
can wait outside.*’^ 

The commissio]ier bowed and departed, leaving the judge 
alone with his clerk, who was mending his pens in a cor- 
ner. This clerk was a kindly old man, who had grown 
gray in the harness, but who performed his modest duties 
mechanically, and took very little interest in the questions 
and answers he recorded. 

You need not begin writing until I give the signal, 
M. de Malverne remarked to him. It is not impossible 
that the accused will vindicate himself almost immediately; 
and in that case, there will be no further investigation.^^ 

Very well, sir,^^ replied the clerk, with the utmost in- 
difference. 

J list then the door opened. A gentleman entered alone, 
and advanced slowly toward the table at which M. de Mal- 
verne was seated. 

What, Jacques, is this you?^^ cried the magistrate. 

What under the sun put into your head to burst in upon 
me at the palace just as I was going to examine a prisoner? 
Ah, I have it! You have come to apologize for not dining 
with us yesterday. We waited for you until eight oYlock, 
,iand my wife was furiously angry with you. I believe she 
is still, in fact. 

The gentleman whom the judge had just addressed so 
familiarly by his Christian name, started back in surprise 
on recognizing M. de Malverne, and stammered out: 

What! it is you who — 

Yes, it is I. Were you expecting to find my wife in 
my cabinet ?^^ asked the magistrate, laughing heartily at 
his friend^s discomfiture. 

And as his friend still appeared stupefied and unable to 
Titter a word, the judge added: 

‘‘Come, explain. You must have had some object in 
coming here; and I judge from your manner that it must 
be a matter of grave importance. I will listen to what you 
have to say, though I am very busy just now. In fact, I 
am surprised that you obtained admission. But you did 
quite right to insist. A friend has the first claim upon 


36 


THE A^sGEL OE THE BELLS. 


one^ after all^ so speaks my dear fellow. In what way can 
I be of service to you?^^ 

Then^ seeing that his friend evinced no intention of re- 
sponding to this invitation^ he exclaimed : 

Oh, I understand. You ^pected to find me alone» 
That can be easily managed. Leave us, Pilois,"'^ added M* 
de Malverne, turning to his clerk. I Avill call you when 
I need you. Do not go far.'’^ 

The good man hastily obeyed. 

Yow we are alone, the judge continued, and you 
can say what you have to say without the slightest reserve. 
In the first place, tell me why you wear this air of con- 
sternation. What has happened 

You can not possibly be ignorant, replied Jacques, 
with an evident effort. 

But how the deuce should I know? I blessed you 
roundly last evening for disappointing us, I can tell you. 
Odette declared that you must at least have broken your 
leg, for you are usually a model of punctuality. We ex- 
pected a line of apology from you this morning, but none 
came. My attention was diverted, however, by a very 
strange case that was placed in my hands for investigation, 
this morning; and I had to fairly bolt my breakfast and 
hasten to the palace. The case is a very curious one, and 
it may prove to be of very great imjDortance. I am now 
expecting a man accused of murder. I had just sent to the- 
depot for him. The door opens; and I think he is about 
to make his appearance, when, lo and behold, you enter. 
You must admit that I have reason to be surprised, and ta 
ask you to; solve the mystery. 

The man you are expecting; the man who was arrest-^ 
ed yesterday; 1 am the manF^ stammered Jacques, 

M. de Malverne changed countenance, and looking 
searchingly at his friend, said : 

Are you jesting, or can it be that you have gone mad?'’^ 
Neither the one nor the other. If you doiiT believe 
me, summon the guard who just took me from the depot 
and brought me here handcuffed.'’^ 

You s|)ent the night in prison? Why didn^’t the idea 
of sending for me occur to you?'’^ 

It did, but I rejected it. I felt sure that I should be 
released to-day, after my examination; and I preferred ta 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS, ~ 37 

conceal tliis absurd adventure from you. I had no. idea 
that the judge of instruction would prove to be you.^^ 

And very fortunately; for you can^ of course^, tell an 
old friend and school-mate alh while it might cost you some- 
thing to reveal the whole truth to one of my colleagues. I 
think you did quite right to disclose nothing to the com- 
missioner of police. In a case like yours one can not be 
too prudent^ particularly if a lady^s honor is at stake. 

Then you have heard the facts of the case already 
Yes, in detail. The commissioner just made his re- 
port. I know, too, that you refused to answer any of his 
questions, and even to tell him your name. I had no diffi- 
culty in understanding why, even before I knew that you 
were the person concerned. I am fully satisfied now. The 
lady who was with you is married, and the safety of her 
rej)utation is the first thing to be considered. I should do 
23recisely as you have done if I were placed in similar cir- 
cumstances. But your generosity might have cost you 
dear. To allow one^s seK to be accused of murder rather 
than compromise a lady is certainly heroic. 

“ Then you do not suspect me of having committed a 
murder?^'’ 

No, certainly not. I know you too well to suspect you 
of any crime whatever. Such a thing as an examination 
need not be thought of, now; and I congratulate myself 
upon having sent away my clerk. We can sit down and 
talk, now, like two old friends. Take a seat; I do not 
offer you a cigar, because it is not customary to smoke 
here. I donT see that it would lower the dignity of the 
magistrature myself, but that seems to be the general o|)in- 
ion.^^ 

M. de Malverne^s tone was eminently reassuring; and 
yet his friend remained thoughtful and preoccu|)ied. He 
evidently comprehended that the judge, though certainly 
most favorably disposed toward him, was not likely to con- 
fine himself to these affectionate remarks, but would ask 
him some embarrassing questions sooner or later. 

These expectations were speedily realized. 

Come, you must give me some insight into this unfort- 
unate affair before I send you home,^^ M. de Malverne 
continued. I fancy you will not be sorry to get there 
after a night spent at the depot. 


38 


THE A^y^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


I must say that the past twenty hours seemed well nigh 
interminable. 

There is one comfort^ however, your name does not ap- 
pear ujDon the register; and no one will ever know that 
Jacques de Saint-Briac, Caj)tain of Cavalry, honorably dis- 
charged, spent the night at the prefecture depot like a com- 
mon malefactor. 

Then you do not intend to tell the commissioner of 
police, who arrested me?^^ 

‘^ Certainly not. He is a subordinate, and l am not ac- 
countable to him. Indeed, I am accountable only to my 
own conscience for my actions. I. have a perfect right to 
throw the papers into the fire, and say to you, ^ Go in 
peace. ^ I even have a right to invite you to dine with me 
this evening— a right of which I now avail myself. 

I can not come.^^ 

“ Why not? Odette will be delighted to hear the story 
of your mishaps from your own lips, if you will consent to 
favor her with it. But now explain to me how the parties 
who pointed you out to the police could have mistaken you 
for the real culprit, for there can be no doubt that there 
is a culprit. 

I donT understand how it came about. I donT, upon 
my word of honor! I was arrested on the tower stairway, 
taken to the Hotel-Dieu, and shown the mutilated body of 
a woman I had never seen before. I was then told that I 
was accused of having thrown her from the top of the 
tower. What could I say in answer to such a charge. I 
had not seen the fall, and I could not, in honor, divulge 
the name of the person who had gone up into the tower 
with me.^"^ 

‘ ^ Of course not. But confess that it was a strange fancy 
to ascend the tower of Notre Dame to chant a lover^s 
duet.^^ 

It was a whim of my companion. We started for the 
Jardin des Plantes, by way of the quays, but she thought 
we should be less liable to interru|)tion on the tower, for 
there seemed to be no one there at the time. 

Your divinity must be a whimsical creature. When 
you see her again, I advise you to enlarge upon the position 
of imminent peril in which she placed you. Had you been 
sent before any other judge of instruction, I hardly know 
how you would have got out of the scrape. But go on 


THE AKGEL OE THE BELLS. 39 

with your story. W-lien you went up in the tower clidn^t 
you meet the keeper on the stairway?^'’ 

We saw no one except a young girl, who said nothing 
to us. There is a grating at the foot of the tower stairway, 
you know; but that was open, and we reached the gallery 
over the rose window in the front of the church without 
any incident worthy of mention. 

And you stopped there? The lady was tired, I sujd- 
pose?"^ 

No, that was not the reason. In looking up, I saw the 
heads of two persons above the balustrade that crowns the 
summit of the tower. 

The heads of a man and a Avoman?^^ 

I think so; but I can not SAvear to it, as I only caught 
a glimpse of them. 

They may have seen you, and had their reasons for 
wishing to avoid notice. 

That is quite possible. I have thought since that this 
man must have been the murderer; but at the time I 
thought only of the impossibility of going any further with- 
out finding ourselves face to face with these people.'’^ 

You must have lost your senses, indeed, not to have 
foreseen such an encounter. Twenty or more persons 
ascend the toAver of Notre Dame eA^ery day, especially when 
the Aveather is fine, and yeste.rday Avas superb. So you re- 
mained in the gallery, or rather, you remained there, for 
the lady departed by herself. Why didnT you go doAvn 
together 

^ ‘ My dear Hugh, there seems to be some strange fatality 
in this most unfortunate affair. My companion on leaving 
home had purchased one of those thick blue veils that En- 
glishwomen affect. While on the gallery she lifted it, and 
the Avind, which Avas bloAving strongly at the time, bleAv it 
aAvay. 

One of the slight misfortunes that often befall happy 
lovers,'’^ laughed M. de Malverne. The course of true love 
never did run smooth, you knoAV.^^ 

‘ ^ It Avas an irreparable misfortune in our case. How 
could the lady continue her promenade Avith her face un- 
covered. We might, of course, have taken a carriage; but 
it Avould be no easy task to find one, as they are rare in 
that part of the town. So, by mutual consent, Ave decided 
to part immediately. She hastily descended, and a quarter 


40 


THE A2sGEL OE THE BELLS. 


of an hour afterward I did the same. , It was unfortunate 
that I waited so long^ however^ for I was arrested on the 
staircase. You know the rest.^^ 

Perfectly; and now I understand what took place. 
While you were being taken, to the depot, the scoundrel 
who committed the crime, and wdio had afterward con- 
cealed himself somewhere, made his escajDe by the stairway 
that ends just back of the choir. The idiots who arrested 
you did not think of making any further search until it 
was too late. Ah, w’-ell, I can now assume the responsi- 
bility of setting you free, especially as there is nothiiig to 
prevent you from telling me the name of the lady.^^ 

‘^Tell you the name of the ladjl” exclaimed M. de 
Saint-Briac. Why, you know very w^ell that I can not 
do that. I would rather go back to prison than divulge her 
name.'^ 

To the commissioner of police,^^ replied M. de Mal- 
verne, and you are quite right. He would have embodied 
the name in his report. But telling me is a very different 
matter. _ The formal investigation is ended, or to speak 
correctly, it was never begun ; and it is not a magistrate 
wdio asks you the question, but a friend. 

You still feel some doubt, then?^^ 

Iso y not the slightest. I believe you to be utterly in- 
cajDable of falsehood. But in giving the necessary orders 
for your release, I assume a great responsibility; and I ask 
you this name simply to quiet my conscience. You must 
understand that the vital jDoint is to establish the fact that 
the woman you are accused of killing is still alive. 

And how is that fact to be established, pray? By hav- 
ing her summoned here arid questioning her yourself? I 
w^ould rather allow myself to be condemned to death than 
see her obliged to appear in this cabinet.'’^ 

But I should not be absolutely obliged to resort to 
such a j)i’Ocedure. If you would consent to say it is Ma- 
dame So-and-So, who resides on such a street, at such a 
number, I could make the necessary inquiries in a quiet 
way. 

‘‘You would not be much the wdser in that case, my 
dear Hugh, for if I were guilty, and wished to clear my- 
self, I should only have to name some other lady, and you 
would be none the wiser. 

“ That would be an infamous act, of which I know you 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 41 

are utterly incapable. But really, I fail to see why you 
should object to telling me the truth. Can it be that 3?'ou 
doubt my prudence, or do you distrust my motives?^'’ 

iSiot the least in the world. But you yourself admitted, 
just now, that an honorable man would feel compelled to 
maintain an absolute silence under such circumstances.^^ 

‘‘ Yes, if I were acquainted with the lady; for in that 
case I might meet her in society, and if she knew that I 
knew her secret, she would feel very -uncomfortable, but— 
Ah, well, then,^^ replied the captain, after some hesi- 
tation, sup|)ose that to be the case; suppose, even, if 3^011 
like, that 3^011 are intimately acquainted wdth her husband 
‘‘ In that case, I should find myself in a very embarrass- 
ing position, laughed the judge of instruction. ^^But 
this is a mere supposition, in which I place no credence 
whatever. You and I frequent the same drawing-rooms, 
and among all the ladies w^e are in the habit of meeting, 
there is not one whom I can even suspect. Confess, then, 
that you have made this conquer outside of the circle in 
Avhich we usually move. You visit at a number of houses 
where I am not received because I continue to hold the 
office of magistrate under a Eepublican regime,^ ^ 

Saint-Briac was silent, but his face betrayed deep emo- 
tion. 

Do you not know,^’’ continued M. de Malverne, that 
it would be a comparatively eas3^ matter for me to discover 
your secret? The police are at my orders, and I should 
only have to order a detective to sliadoio you, to learn 
all I wish to know. 

I am sure that you will not do that,^^ said Saint-Briac, 
quickly, while a sudden pallor overspread his features. 

^^1^0, my dear fellow, I only wish to convince you that I 
deserve some credit for taking your simple word; and I 
confess that you wound me deeply by your refusal to tell 
me the name I wish to know. But heaven forbid that I 
should suspect you of an atrocious crime; you, Avhom I see 
every day, and whom I love as a brother. I am going to 
give orders for your release. That will be effected in about 
a quarter of an hour; then go home and make up your 
mind to dine with us this evening. My wife will scold you 
roundly; and you deserve it.'’^ 

What! you intend to tell Madame de Malverne about 
this unfortunate affair ?^^ 


42 


THE AE-GEL OE THE BELLS. 


I have no secrets from her; and she conceals nothing 
from me."’"’ 

But you certainly ought to spare my feelings. I have 
jDlayed such a ridiculous role in the affair. 

I do not think so. On the contrary, you have con- 
ducted yourself in a most knightly fashion. Your chival- 
rous devotion verges upon heroism; and I am sure that 
Odette will admire instead of ridiculing you. But you 
must be longing to return to your pleasant rooms on tlie 
Avenue d^Antin, so I will give you your discharge/^ said 
the judge, seating himself at his desk to fill out the required 
form. 

Jacques de Saint-Briac was beginning to breathe more 
freely; but he had not yet entirely recovered from the ter- 
rible ordeal through which he had recently j)assed. 

It is done,^^ continued M. de Malverne. Hand this 
paper to the superintendent of the depot, and he will re- 
lease you without delay. I would gladly spare you the 
trouble, but the regulations require it; and this time you 
will not be obliged to cross the court-yard of the Sainte- 
Chapelle hand-cuffed. I will recommend you to the dis- 
tinguished consideration of the Paris guard who is waiting 
to escsbrt you back. 

As he spoke, he touched the bell upon his desk. A 
messenger entered, and after giving him the order to be 
transmitted to the soldier acting as escort, the judge in- 
quired if the expected witnesses had arrived. Neither of 
them had yet appeared, for the very good reason that it 
still lacked an hour of the appointed time. 

‘Ht is my fault, remarked the judge. I thought 
the examination would be a lengthy one; but I concluded 
it in less than forty minutes, and consequently have plenty 
of time to accompany you to the depot. I had better say 
a word to the superintendent myself. I can get back here 
in time to meet the parties I have summoned.'"^ 

But what is the use of hearing their testimony, now 
that you have set me at liberty 

What is the use? Why, I have no idea of abandoning 
the case. A^ou are innocent, that is as plain as daylight; 
but there is a culprit, and I intend to find him. This cul- 
23rit is the man who ascended the tower in company with 
the unfortunate woman 3^011 saw at the Hotel-Dieu. It is 
necessary for me to hear the testimony of those who accused 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 


43 


you; but there will no longer be any question of you. Now 
follow me, my dear fellow, or rather give me your arm, so 
that every one may see that you are no longer suspected of 
any connection with the affair. 

This programme was carried out. The two friends 
traversed the long corridors and court-yard, arm in arm, to 
the great astonishment of the guard, wha had never seen a 
magistrate treat a prisoner in this way before. The sur- 
prise of the jailers was equally great; but the explanation 
between the judge and the superintendent took but a mo- 
ment. 

I am a free man once more, thanks to you,^^ said Saint- 
Briac, when the doors of the prison had closed behind 
them. I shall never cease to be grateful for what you 
have done for me.^^ 

I have only done my duty; and your name will not ap- 
pear upon the prison register.^'’ 

I begin to fear that you will be compromised by your 
efforts to save the honor of my name. 

You need have no fears of that. I will see the pro- 
cureur general to-day. I shall j)robably have to tell him 
that the person arrested was Jacques de Saint-Briac, a 
former captain in the Ninth ^ Cuirassiers, and my intimate 
friend, but I feel sure that he will approve my course.'’^ 

I am very sorry -that you will have to tell him my 
name,'’^ said Saint-Briac, gloomily. 

You are certainly very hard to please, my dear fellow. 
You ought to be thankful to get out of this scrape so easily, 
for it might have cost you dear, and your companion as 
well.^^ 

I know it, my friend', and I am not complaining, I 
assure you,^^ replied Saint-Briac, sadly. Forgive me for 
what I said just now, and rest assured that I intended no 
reflection on your judgrnent. Besides, I really have no 
cause for anxiety, for the two magistrates you are going to 
take into your confidence are men of honor. 

Yes; and they have more important business on hand 
than to endeavor to ascertain the name of the fair lady for 
whose sweet sake you were willing to be immured in a dun- 
geon; so go in peace, and donT forget to take dinner with 
us this evening at seven oYlock.'’^ 

DonT insist upon it, I beg. I do not feel like myself. 


44 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 


It will take me a few clays to recover from this strain upon 
my nerves. 

Nonsense! I know you too well to believef that you are 
as nervous as a woman. I begin to wonder why you are so 
loath to accept my invitation. Upon my word! one would 
supjDOse that you were afraid my wife would take you to 
task.'’^ 

What an absurd idea!^^ stammered Saint-Briac. I 
only feared that I should be an unentertaining guest. But 
I will comej, as you insist upon it."^^ 

Well, HOW that I have your promise, I will leave you 
and go back to my cabinet, to hear the witnesses I sum- 
moned; for, as I said before, I have not given up the case, 
and we will at least make a search for the man who was on 
the top of the tower while you were flirting with your in- 
amorata in the gallery below. His hasty disappearance 
proves that a crime was committed; for if the unfortunate 
woman had committed suicide, the scoundrel who was with 
her would not have made his escape by way of the roof. 

It will be a difficult task to find him, I fear. No one 
had a sufficiently near view of him to be able to identify 
him now.^^ 

That is true; but you forget the important part the 
hand of God 23lays in such matters. The woman has been 
taken to the morgue; and it is not imj)robable that the cul- 
prit will be detected there. The slightest exclamation or 
change of countenance will instantly be noted by the detect- 
ives I have stationed there. Besides, iiiquiries are sure to 
be made. A woman does not disappear without some oner's 
noticing the fact, es^Decially a wealthy woman — and this 
one was covered with jewels. If she is a stranger in the 
city, she must have gone to som^ hotel o]i her arrival. We 
shall soon know which one. I will promise to keep you 
posted. An revoir,^^ M. de Malverne said, in conclusion, 
giving his friend a hearty shake of the hand. 

Jaci{ues de Saint-Briac watched him for a moment, then 
turned and walked slowly toward the massive gate-way that 
opens upon the Boulevard du Palais. Once outside the 
palace grounds, he paused to wait for a passing carriage, 
for he was in haste to reach home, and the Avenue d^ Antin 
was a long way ofl. 

Being thus engaged, he did not at first notice a gentle- 
man who had stopped on the sidewalk a few feet from him. 


THE Ais'GEL OF THE BELLS. 


45 


and who was examining him closely. This gentleman held 
a shabbily dressed child by the hand. After a moment 
Saint-Briac turned^ and recognized him instantly. 

So it is you^ sir?^^ he said^ dryly. What business 
have you to stare at me in this manner? Are you surprised 
to see me free? I judge so^ for though I have been re- 
leased^ it was certainly no fault of yours. ' It is to you that 
I am indebted for my arrest, I believe.-’^ 

A"ou are mistaken, sir,^^ replied Meriadec, coldly. 
I may have contributed to it involuntarily, but I made 
no accusation against you, nor have I ever believed that 
you were guilty. I have been summoned by the investi- 
gating magistrate, and came here to testify in your favor. 

That is unnecessary, very fortunately,^^ said Saint- 
Briac. He knows that I am innocent, and has just set 
me at liberty. ’^ 

I congratulate you with all my lieaH; and I see, now, 
that you have been the victim of a mistake.'’^ 

Then turning to the boy who was standing by his side, 
he said: 

Tell me, Sacha, do you know this gentleman ?^^ 

Ho, I never saw him before, was the promj)t re- 
sj^onse. 

I was sure of it,'’^ muttered Meriadec. 

AYill you have the goodness to explain what all this 
means ?^^ said Saint-Briac, curtly. 

^ ^ It means that your arrest was a mistake. I was con- 
vinced of it before; but if the slightest doubt had lingered 
in my mind, this chikVs answer would have disjDelled it. 
He has seen the real culprit; and if you were he the lad 
w^ould not have failed to recognize you. 

I am really very much obliged to him,^^ said the cajD- 
tain, ironically. 

You do very wrong to take offense at what I say,^^ re- 
plied Meriadec. I can not wonder that you have an un- 
23leasant recollection of me; but though you may be under 
the impression that I believed you guilty of the crime, I re- 
2 )eat that I came here to defend you.^'^ 

That is needless, I am happy to say; and I beg that 
you will not prolong this conversation.^^ 

With this parting shaft, the captain bowed coldly, and 
Avalked rapidly away, leaving our worthy friend greatly per- 
plexed. 


46 


.THE AN-GEL OE THE BELLS. 


This little incident had changed the situation entirely^ 
for now that it was no longer a question of saving an inno- 
cent man^ Meriadec had regained his liberty of action^ and 
there was nothing to oblige him to tell the authorities any 
more than they asked him. On the other hand, he could 
not forget that the judge was expecting him, and that any 
failure to appear would result in great personal incon- 
venience if the magistrate should take it into his head to 
send the police for the delinquent witness. But the hour 
appointed for his examination was three o^ clock, and as the j 
bell of the i3alace clock was just striking the hour of two,. ^ 
he had plenty of time to take Sacha back to the Eue Cas- 
settle; for he was gradually returning to his first plan, which 
was to act alone, or aided only by Sacha, and to ferret out 
the murderer without the assistance of the police. 

The question was to ascertain if Sacha would consent ta 
this change of programme. Meriadec doubted it very 
much, for he already knew something about the character 
pf the young Muscovite, who was really one of the most 
self-willed and obstinate children imaginable. 

On waking, after a sleep of fifteen consecutive hours, he 
began by shouting out several Kussian names, doubtless 
the names of the servants who attended him in his own 
house; then, seeing Meriadec^ s maid of all work appear, he 
flew into a furious passion, and swore at her roundly in ex- 
cellent French. 

After breakfast he insisted upon going out to purchase 
some new clothing. Meriadec had promised to take him to 
the establishment known as La Belle Jardiniere after the 
visit to the judge of instruction, and as he stood deliberat- 
ing on the Boulevard, the child reminded him of liis prom- 
ise. 

^ ^ Shall we soon get to the store where they keep cloth- 
ing he asked. 

In a moment, replied Meriadec, who had just decid- 
ed to take him there before returning home. 

The establishment was only a short distance from the 
palace, and he had a full hour at his disposal; besides,. 
Sacha^s face had brightened up wonderfully after his pro- 
tector^ s reply, and he seemed more inclined to talk, se 
Meriadec was anxious to take advantage of this fit of good 
humor to secure information for which he had heretofore 
angled in vain. 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


47 


How fluently you speak French/^ remarked^ as 
they walked toward the Quai de FHorloge. You must 
have had an excellent tutor. 

Tutors! I never could bear tutors cried Sacha. 

They -sent to Paris for one for me^ but I tormented him 
so that he was glad to go away. It was papa who taught 
me French. Mamma knows French, too. They never 
speak Kussian when they are together.'’^ 

Yes, I know that people of rank generally use the 
French language in your country. What town did you 
live in?^^ 

We live in the country; but I diave been to Moscow 
twice. 

In what province did you reside 

In Tambow."’"’ 

This was the flrst bit of deflnite information that Sacha 
had furnished, and it might ]3rove very useful. 

What was the name of your chateau?'’^ the baron 
asked. 

I doiiT know that it was a chateau. The place where 
%ve lived was called Yerine. Our house was two versts 
from the village that belongs to mamma. 

So I have only to write to Eussia to learn the name of 
the poor woman whose body is now resting in the morgue,^ ’ 
thought Meidadec. 

Your mother was the Countess Xenia, you said,^^ he 
continued. 

Yes,^'’ replied the boy proudly, and her blood is as 
noble as the emperoFs.^^ 

And your father 

Xo. She is a descendant of Eurik; he is not.-’^ 

Then you must entertain a great deal of company at 
Yerine. All the nobility in the neighborhood visit at your 
house, I suppose 

Xo; we have no company. Papa doesiiT like it.^^ 

Meriadec was beginning to understand the situation of 
this strange household: a noble Eussian lady married to a 
man greatly inferior to her in rank, and ostracized by her 
country neighbors on account of this mesalliance. This 
would harmonize well with the tragical denouement of this 
ill-assorted union. 

And you spent the whole year there he asked. 

Mamma did;- but papa often went traveling. He had 


48 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


been away six months when we left Verine to come to 
Pari^.^'’ 

What, didn^t he come to Paris with you?^^ 

ISTo. He met us at the station. 

And took you to a hotel, I supjDOse?^^ 

I don^t know. We slept in a big house, where there 
seemed. to be no one but ourselves. We went therein a 
carriage — in papa^s carriage.'’^ 

This new bit of information was a great disappointment 
to Meriadec. It would be useless to visit the inns in the 
neighborhood of the northern and eastern railway stations 
now. This house might be in an entirely different part of 
the city, and it seemed probable that the infamous husband 
had taken such precautions in advance as would render it 
well nigh impossible for any one to discover any trace of 
the arrival of the wife he intended to kill, and the child he 
meant to lose. 

Sha^’nT w^e get to that store pretty soon?^^ asked 
Sacha. 

You can see it from here,^^ replied Meriadec. 

They had already reached the Pont-Yeuf. Ten minutes 
afterward they entered La Belle J ardiniere. It proved to 
be no easy matter to suit the young gentleman. In fact, 
nothing would satisfy him but a complete and very elegant 
outfit. 

This metamorphosis took time; and, on leaving the store, 
Meriadec saw that it lacked only a quarter of three. Hot 
deeming it advisable to keep the judge of instruction, wait- 
ing, he again started for the Palais de Justice, without ex- 
actly knowing what he should do with Sacha during the 
examination. He had about decided to intrust the child 
to the care of the soldier on guard at the door, when, on. 
reaching the very spot where he had met M. de Saint-Briac,, 
■he found himself face to face with the man of the red cap. 

What! is this you?'’^ exclaimed that unappreciated 
artist. You have come to give your testimony. You 
might have saved yourself the trouble. Our magistrate 
has been unexpectedly called away, and our interview is 
postponed until to-morrow. 

So much the better,'’^ said Meriadec, delighted to regain 
his freedom. 

“ Suppose we pay a visit to the morgue. What do you 
say?"^ queried the artist. 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


49 


Meriaclec shook his head, and pointed to his little com- 
panion. 

'' What difference does that make?^^ cried the artist. 
'' Take the little chap along, too. It will amuse him. Is 
the boy yours? Why, I had no idea that you were a mar- 
ried man.'’^ 

I am not,^'’ replied Meriadec a little crossly, and the 
child is not mine. 

I thought that he didnT look like you. Come, we 
really ought to go to the morgue. That woman^s body has 
been" on exhibition there since early this morning, and it 
must have drawn a crowd. I should like to see her again, 
for I scarcely had time to get a good look at her yesterday. 
Besides, I am curious to know if any one has recognized 
her.'’^ 

Meriadec felt loath to accept the invitation, for the idea, 
of showing Sacha his mother's body was most distasteful to 
him; but he said to himself that the test would' be decisive. 

'' Come," insisted Fabreguette, I am sure that your 
friend the surgeon has paid a visit to the house of the dead 
long before this. He is a witness in the case; we, too, are 
witnesses, and the visit to the morgue is obligatory upon 
us, so to speak." 

What is the morgue?" gravely inquired Sacha, who- 
had listened attentively to the conversation. 

"‘What! don't you know? Where, did the little igntu’a- 
mus come from? You must be fresh from the country." 

“What business is it of yours if I am?" retorted the 
child, tartly. “ How dare you speak to me in such a man- 
ner?" 

“Pardon me, monseigneur," said Fabreguette, sneer- 
ingly, “ I did not know that I was addressing the scion of 
a noble race." 

Sacha received these ironical excuses unflinchingly, and 
said ; 

“You have not answered the question I did you the 
honor to ask you." 

“ True, true, prince. The morgue is an inn Avhere the 
dead rest temporarily until arrangements can be made to^ 
take them to the cemetery." 

“ And I suppose you have no desire to visit such a 
place," added Meriadec. 

“ Why, yes, I have, I never saw but one dead person* 


50 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 


That was one of onr peasants who had drank so much 
brandy that he fell under the wheels of his Mbitka, I was 
not in the least afraid^ so I am sure I shall not be afraid 
daere, so let us go to the Morgue. 

KibithaV^ repeated the artist. “ Your Highness is a 
Eussian. I thought so.’'^ 

This jesting irritated Meriadec as much as Sacha^s joroud 
coolness surpi’ised him, and he wondered if it would not be 
well to ]Dut an end to Fabreguette^s raillery by yielding to 
the clearly exjDressed wish of the child. After all, it would 
be necessary to tell him of his mother^ s death sooner’ or 
later, and ]3erhaps the sooner it was done the better. 

Well, are you going to take me to the morgue or 
not?^'’ demanded Sacha, stamping his foot impatiently. 

Is it far from here?^'’ 

On the contrary, it is only a short distance.-’^ 

Then we shall have plenty of time for our walk after- 
’ward. Now that I have some tolerably respectable clothes 
on, I will go about the city as much as you like. 

Meriadec, who had come to a decision, directed his steps 
toward the morgue, choosing the most direct route. As 
they crossed the square and turned into the Eue du Cloitre- 
I^otre Dame, Sacha paused and said: 

Here is the little door by which we entered the tower 
yesterday. And here is the street by which we came,^^ he 
added, pointing to the Eue d^Arcole. We left the carriage 
on the quay, and papa told the coachman he need not 
wait for us. 

Hear! hear!^^ said Fabreguette, in a low tone. I 
begin to understand.'’^ 

Meriadec would have preferred not to take the artist into 
Ms confidence, but he perceived now, when it was too late, 
that it would be a difficult task to conceal the truth from 
Ms shrewd companion; and to prevent him from asking a 
host of questions which he did not care to answer before 
/Sacha, he whispered: 

Yot another word, I beg. When we are alone I will 
tell you what has happened.'’^ 

At last they reached the morgue. A large crowd had 
.'assembled around the door, for it was generally known that 
the body of the woman who had fallen from the tower was 
on exhibition there. 

Let us take our place in the line,^^ said Fabreguette. 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


51 


Meriadec followed him. It was too late to draw back 
now, for Sacha would not have given np his anticipated 
treat wdthout a struggle. The advance of the line was quite 
raiDid, as the police did not allow the curious to linger long 
before the cases, so that Meriadec, borne onward by the 
crowd into the hall, soon perceived at the end of the first 
row of black marble tables, the body of the unknown 
woman. 

]^ot one of her garments, nor a single article of jewelry, 
had been removed, but her face and head Avere a mere mass 
of bloody flesh. 

The procession, of Avhich our fidends foimied a part, 
passed up the right side of the hall, keeping close to the 
Avail, Avhile the jDersons aaAio had already vieAved the remains 
passed out on the other side of the room, so that at one 
time they Avere opposite a portion of it. 

But Sacha suddenly tore his hand from Meriadec^ s grasp, 
and uttering a loud cry, Avould have dashed across the hall, 
if his companion had not prevented him from doing so by 
seizing him by the arm. The child struggled to free him- 
self, and began to call some one in Eussian. Meriadec 
could not, at first, distinguish Avho the person Avas, but felt 
sure it Avas some one in the croAvd that Avas making its Avay 
to the door on the other side of the room. 

Let me go,'’^ cried Sacha. ‘‘It is he! It is my fa- 
ther T"’ 

No one ansAvered, but Meriadec fancied that the call 
Avas addressed to a tall, Av^ell-dressed gentleman, Avhose back 
alone Avas visible to our friend, and he was about to yield 
to the child^s importunities, Avhen one of the police stoj^ped 
him, and said: 

“ What is the matter Avith the child 

“ He is afraid, replied Fabreguette, instantly comjn’c- 
hending the situation. 

“ Take him aAAW, then,^^ said the officer, rudely. “ It 
is ridiculous to bring children here. You Avill do me the 
favor to get him out at once, you and your friend Avho is 
holding him by the arm.’’^ 

Meriadec gladly availed himself of the permission, still 
holding fast to Sacha, avIio Avas struggling in the most 
frantic manner. Fabreguette followed him, and the j^olice- 
man pushed them unceremoniously toAvard the door. Thus 
suddenly removed into the open air, Sacha looked around. 


^2 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 


^nd saw not twenty yards from liim, the gentleman he was 
seeking. 

This gentleman, however, was hastening with all his 
might toward the carriages that were standing upon the 
quay. The baron, the artist and the child started in hot 
pursuit, but before they could overtake him, they saw him 
jump into a coupe that had advanced to meet him. The 
door was quickly closed, and the horse flew like lightning 
across the bridge that connects the city with the Isle Saint- 
Louis. 

Sacha, pale with anger, shook his fist at the rapidly dis- 
appearing carriage, and cried savagely: 

Paul Constantinowitch, I curse you!^^ 

He is superb in this role,^^ muttered Fabreguette. 

We donT often see children of his stamj) here in Paris. 

Meriadec, overcome with consternation, knew not what 
to do. 

Take me home with you,^^ said Sacha, abruptly. 

Well said, young gentleman, replied the artist. I, 
too, will accompany you to the house of our friend, Baron 
Meriadec.^'’ 

The child made no response, but began to walk straight 
on, without troubling himself to ascertain whether he was 
going in the direction of the Eue Casette or not. His eyes 
hashed and the whole exjDression of his countenance had 
changed. He seemed to have grown a dozen years older in 
the last five minutes, and now carried himself with the 
manly air of a youth of twenty. Chance had put him 
upon the right track, for he directed his steps toward the 
left bank of the Seine. Meriadec and Fabreguette followed 
him closely. 

That was his mother we saw in the morgue, said the 
artist, lowering his voice, and the man who just ran away 
was her murderer. Am I not right 
You have guessed the truth. 

‘ ^ Ah, well, we can not restore the poor woman to life, 
but we can try to avenge her. Shall we form a league for 
the jDurpose of securing the man^s arrest 

Yes, on condition that my friend Hubrac will join us. 
Come home with me, and let us hold a council of war. I 
have a plan to propose to you.'’^ 


THE AKGEL OE THE BELLS. 


53 


CHAPTER III. 

M. HE Malyekete occupied a handsome house that be- 
longed to him; a house with a court-yard in fronts and a 
garden in the rear. The court-yard opened upon the Fau- 
bourg Saint-Honore, and the grounds extended to the 
Ayeiiue Gabriel. 

His wife^ Odette de Benserade, was a charming woman^ 
and the two years and a half of their married life had not 
been marred by even a passing cloud. She loved society^ 
and entertained a great deal^ but though many handsome 
and agreeable men frequented her salon^ the only one who 
was admitted to the house upon an intimate footing was 
Jacques de Saint-Briac^ Hughes oldest friend^ who had 
acted as best man on their wedding-day. 

At about seven o^ clock on the evening of the day of 
Jacques de Saint-Briac^s examination, Odette, who had not 
seen her husband since morning, was waiting for him in 
her drawing-room, half reclining in an immense arm-chair, 
and apparently absorbed in a profound reverie. Her 
wRite hand was slowly waving a large Japanese fan to and 
fro, and her eyes were following the hands of the costly 
mantel clock, as they moved slowly around the dial. She 
was very pale, and the dark circles around her eyes showed 
that she had been weeping. 

The moments passed and Hugh, who was generally so 
punctual, failing to make his apjDearance, she rang the 
bell, and when a footman appeared in answer to the sum- 
mons, inquired if his master had returned. 

About half an hour ago, madame,^^ replied the serv- 
ant. Monsieur is just finishing his toilet. 

Very well. Tell him that I am waiting for him here.'’^ 

As soon as she was again alone, Mme. de Malverne rose, 
looked in the glass, wij)ed her wet eyes and tried to smile 
and assume a cheerful expression. She was only partially 
successful in her attempt, however, and she could not 
wholly repress a nervous start as her husband entered the 
room. His face was radiant, and hastening forward with 
arms outstretched to embrace her, he pressed a fond kiss 
upon her fair brow. 


54 


THE ANGEL OF THE BELLS. 


How does it happen that you are so late, my dear?^^ 
she asked. 

I have a long story to tell you/^ replied the magistrate, 
rubbing his hands. As you may suppose, a tragedy like 
that of the Tower of Notre Dame is not easily unraveled. 
I was engaged with it all the afternoon, and six o^ clock 
found me still in the office of the procureur general.'’^ 
‘‘What case do you refer to?^^ faltered Mme. de MaD 
veriie. 

“ What! didn^t you read the papers this morning 
“Yes. I saw something in them about a suicide — a poor 
woman who flung herself from the top of the tower — 

“ True. I recollect now, that they only spoke of the fall,, 
and made no allusion to the crime connected with it — • 

“ What! the unfortunate woman — 

“Was thrown to the pavement below by a villain whom 
I fear we shall have great difficulty in finding. I will en- 
tertain you with a full account of the unfortunate affair 
while we are at dinner. I am surprised that Jacques 
hasn^t made his appearance yet. 

“ Jacques !^^ exclaimed the young wife. “Have you 
seen him?^^ 

“ Yes. I invited him to dine with us this evening, and 
he accepted the invitation. 

‘ ‘ But why did he fail to keep his engagement of yester- 
day?^^ 

“ I would rather leave that for him to explain. You 
will find it much more amusing. 

“ Amusing? I do not understand you.^^ 

“You will lose nothing by waiting a few minutes, for I 
am sure that he is not going to disappoint us a second time. 
All I shall tell you now, is that our friend Jacques, the 
wise, the virtuous, the irreproachable, proves to be quite a 
gay Lothario. At least, he is despairingly in love.'"'’ 
“Whatr 

“ A^ou are surprised, I see."^^ 

‘ ‘ A little, I must confess. 

“ Still, it is hardly to be wondered at. He is just at the 
age for a grande passion, and he is certainly handsome 
enough to turn any woman^s head.'’^ 

“ Undoubtedly, but we see him so often that it seems 
hard to believe that he should be in love, and we not know 
it.^^ 


THE Ais’GEL OF THE BELLS. 


55 


There is a time for eveiy tiling/^ said the judge^ laugh- 
ing, and Saint-Briac finds time to see his lady love, with- 
out neglecting his friends — and even to take long walks 
with her. 

And it was one of these long walks that made him 
slight our invitation . 

In part, but it was not entirely his fault, and when you 
have heard an account of his adventures from his own lips, 
you will certainly forgive him.^^ 

‘‘ I certainly hope he will not feel obliged to tell me his 
story. 

‘ ‘ But he will, and indeed, it is absolutely necessary 
that he should. I certainly hojDe that you will not refuse 
to listen to his confession. If you do, he will be sure to 
think you are jealous of his devotion to another. 

Odette^ s face turned even paler as she quickly, replied: 

‘‘ Your jests are not in very good taste this evening, my 
dear Hugh. What makes you so unlike yourself to-day, 
and what pleasure can you possibly take in thus teasing 
me?^'’ 

Come, come, doiiT be angry, my dearest. What I 
just said to you was unpardonable, I confess. You surely 
will forgive me, though. This has been such a dis- 
agreeable day that I felt rather out of sorts, and a little in- 
olined to tease, but it is all over now, and — 

Monsieur de Saint-Briac,^^ announced the footman. 

So you have come at last!^^ cried M. de Malverne, as 
the captain entered, hat in hand. I was beginning to 
wonder if you were going to disap j)oint us again. I warn 
you that you ai^e going to get a te^-rible scolding. Odette is 
.n veritable virago, you know, and you will find it hard 
work to regain her favor. 

Saint-Briac shook hands with his friend, and bowed to 
Mme. de Malverne more ceremoniously than usual. He 
seemed embarrassed, and yet timidity was not one of his 
faults. He did not look like himself; indeed, so great was 
the change in his appearance that he seemed to have aged 
many years since the evening before. 

Dinner is served announced the valet, opening the 
folding doors that led into the dining-room. 

‘‘You are still a little agitated, I see,^^ laughed the 
magistrate, ‘t but you will soon recover from the ordeal of 


56 


THE AisGEL OF THE BELLS. 


yesterday at the table. Offer your arm to Odette, and 
come out to dinner. 

The captain obeyed, though not without an uneasy glance 
at Mme. de Malverne, and the husband followed them. 

Did you go straight home after leaving the palace 
inquired Hugh, after they had taken their seats at the 
table. 

Yes,^^ rej)lied Saint-Briac, almost timidly, for he fore- 
saw other more embarrassing questions. I returned 
home, and did not go out again until I came here. 

You must, indeed, have needed time for rest and reflec- 
tion, after your trying ordeal. I was detained at the palace 
until after six o^ clock. You think I was detained by the 
witnesses, probably. No, I spent all that time in arguing, 
with the procureur general. You can have no idea of the 
difficulty I had in convincing him. It was no easy matter,, 
I assure you. It went so far that I even offered to give up 
the case and place it in the hands of one of my colleagues.'’^ 

I foresaw this,^'’ stammered the captain, and I am 
grieved beyond expression that you should be comi^romised 
for — 

Console yourself. They finally consented to listen to 
reason, and gave me carte ’blanche. They agreed with me 
perfectly in regard to the unfortunate mistake made by the 
commissioner of police. He was summoned and' treated ta 
a scathing rebuke. The keeper of the tower will receive 
his dismissal to-morrow — as is only right — for his neglect 
of duty was the primary cause of the whole unfortunate 
affair.'’'’ 

Saint-Briac said nothing; but it was easy to see, both, 
from his manner and his face, that he was on coals of fire. 
Mme. de Malverne seemed equally uncomfortable. Her 
face clouded, and she said with unmistakable impatience : 

Your conversation is probably very entertaining to 
yourselves, gentlemen, but it is far from amusing to me, as 
I have no idea what you are talking about; so you would 
infinitely oblige me by changing the subject.'’'’ 

You are right, my dearest, said her husband jDromjDt- 
ly. We will talk all this over after dinner, while we 
smoke, as you are so kind as to tolerate cigars in your cozy 
sitting-room. Now let us choose a more cheerful subject. 

So he enlarged upon the beauties of the new oj)era house 
which W'as then in process of construction, passing after- 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


57 


ward to the new plays and the latest bits of society gossip. 
But all his efforts to enliven the conversation were futile : 
the repast ended even more dismally than it began, and the 
dessert had scarcely been placed u2Don the table before 
Mme. de Malverne rose with significant eagerness. 

Coffee was served in the boudoir; and as soon as the serv- 
ant had disappeared, she looked searchingly at her husband 
and said: 

Will you now have the goodness to exjDlain the mys- 
terious conversation'in which you indulged at the dinner- 
table?” 

Mysterious to you, my dear Odette,'’^ was the magis- 
trate'’ s smiling reply, but not to our friend Jacques; and 
I j)refer to allow him the pleasure of giving you the kev to 
it.^^ 

What is the use?^'’ said the captain, quickly. I am 
sure that Madame de Malverne is not at all anxious for it.'’^ 

You are mistaken, sir,'’'’ was the j^i'omqjt reply. I 
am very anxious for it. What misfortune has befallen 
you?^'’ 

I will come to your assistance, my friend,'’'’ said Hugh, 
seeing that Saint-Briac showed no disj)osition to rejDly. 

Learn, to begin with, that our friend has just spent 
twenty-four hours in prison, which is, I ho2)e, sufficient ex- 
cuse for not coming to dine with us yesterday.'’'’ 

In prison!^'’ exclaimed Mme. de Malverne. 

Exactly, my dear; and he would be there still if he 
had had to deal with any other judge of instruction but me. 
Eortunately I have got him out of his scrape, though not 
without serious difficulty, as the charge was a grave one. 
He was accused of murdering a woman — that is all — a 
W'oman with whom he was seen to ascend the tower of 
Kotre Dame. How that I have broken the ice for you, 
Jacques, make a clean breast of it, and fear nothing; the 
most virtuous women always have a weakness for the 
erring. ■’ ^ 

Odette, who had turned pale on hearing the word jirison, 
'WHS now quite herself again. The blood had returned to 
Iier cheeks, and there was no anger in the eyes she turned 
iipoii Saint-Briac. 

Is this true?^^ she asked, gently. 

He had bowed his head while M. de Malverne was sjieak- 
ing, but he how lifted it again and rejilied, unhesitatingly: 


58 


THE Ai^GEL OF THE FELLS. 


Yes^ madame, it is true. I have narrowly escaped 
paying a severe penalty for an imprudent act; but I should 
have submitted to my fate uncomplainingly, knowing that 
one I love better than my own life had nothing to fear.-^^ 

Oh, no, she had nothing to fear, said Malverne, with 
a slightly ironical gayety, for he would have allowed him- 
self to be chopped in pieces rather than divulge her name. 
He would not even reveal it to me, who saved him, and 
who would certainly have kept his secret.'’^ 

He was right, said Odette, firmly. 

Oh, it is very easy for you to talk, my dear. You 
quite forget that this sublime resolve on the part of our 
chivalrous friend has obliged me to assume a heavy burden 
of responsibility; and he has good reason to congratulate 
himself on his escape.'’^ 

It was certainly hard to be mistaken for an assassin!'^ 
murmured Mme. de Malverne, with tears in her eyes. 

He got only his deserts, in my opinion. In the first 
place, he should not be trying to turn a married lady 
from the path of duty; and he admitted to me himself that 
his comjDanion was a married lady. I might not have 
taken this stand ten years ago, but now it is natural for me 
to Mde with the husbands. Besides, when one loses one^s 
heart irrecoverably, one should not bestow it ujDon an ec- 
centric madcap who drags her lover up into a church toweiv 
One of these days she will want him to go up in a balloon. 

She must have suffered terribly since yesterday,^^ said 
Odette. 

Oh, she knew nothing at all about it while Jacques was 
in prison, and now she knows there is nothing to dread. 
You have seen her, I presume, added Hugh, turning to 
his friend. 

Yes,^^ replied the captain, after a moments hesitation.. 

Then you have been guilty of another act of folly 
which I advise you not to repeat. You must deny yourself 
the pleasure of seeing her at least for a while. If you do 
not, your secret will certainly be discovered; and the detect- 
ives, who will be watching you, may denounce you to the 
husband. 

So the 23rocureur general knows my name?^' 

I was obliged to tell him. Besides, I warned you that 
I should not be able to keep it from them. I warn you 
once more, take your precautions accordingly. Your 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


59 


’divinity must make up her mind to mourn your absence 
for a mouthy or to forget you.^^ 

She must be utterly heartless if she can do that/^ mur- 
mured Mme. de Malverne. 

Wonder of wonders exclaimed Hugh^, g^yiy- 
^ ‘ Odette undertakes your defense^ and I thought she would 
overwhelm you with reproaches^ or at least preach you a 
^ long sermon. I congratulate you^ my friend. But I have 
teased you enough; and I don^t want to bore Odette, who 
seems to be thoroughly tired of the subject. Light your 
cigar and tell me what is going on at the club. I haven^t 
been there for a week, and you go there every evening. Is 
Orebord gtill losing 

I believe so,^^ stammered the captain. 

‘ ^ There is a man who deserves to lose every penny of his 
money. He has a lovely wife, and yet he spends his nights 
at the card-table, without troubling himself in the least as 
to how she consoles herself in his absence. 

Everybody is losing, I believe, said Saint-Briac; 
and all our friends are beginning to lose heart. The 
hidalgo is winning enormous sums from them.^'^ 

The hidalgo repeated M. de Malverne, inquiringly. 
‘‘Yes, the Spaniard who was admitted to the club last 
month. 

“ Oh, yes, I remember. He has a peculiar name; some- 
tliing like ‘ Corbo,^ isn’t it?” 

“ His name is Pancorbo, and he calls himself a marquis, 
but he looks to me very like an adventurer.'^'’ 

‘ ‘ Still there can be no secret about where lie comes from. 
The j)ersons who proposed his name for membership are 
responsible for him, you know.^^ 

‘ ‘ But they may know no more about his past than we 
do.^^ 

“ It is an undeniable fact that strangers secure admis- 
sion into our clubs too easily. The one we are talking of 
is a fine-looking man, with remarkably polished manners, 
so far as I could judge the evening you pointed him out to 
me, when he was acting as banker at the baccarat table. 
He j)ays his debts and, above all, pockets his winnings, with 
inimitable grace. 

“ He is a capital player, unquestionably.’^ 

“ I don’t doubt it; but it is an easy matter to q>lay well 


•60 


THE Ai^GEL OF THE BELLS. 

•when one is winning. I should like to see him lose a large 
amount. 

Ah, well, come and win it from him, then.^^ 

Yon forget that I have not touched a card since I be- 
came a magistrate. My greatness stands in my way. 

For that very reason you ought to be lucky at cards. 

Like other unfortunate liusbands^^^ was the laughing 
reply. Pardon me, my dear Odette,^^ he added, seeing 
his wife frown slightly, I can talk nothing but nonsense 
to-night, it seems to me. Our friend^ s escapade has turned 
my head. But what is the matter with you? Do you feel 
ill?^^ 

Yes: your talk has given me a frightful headache, and 
I feel sorely in need of rest.'’^ 

Then we had better leave you to yourself, esj)ecially 
as this tobacco smoke is likely to increase your headache. 
So, with your permission, my dear, we will finish our cigars 
out-of-doors.'’^ 

I have no objections. I think, too, that I shall not wait 
for you to return before I retire. I really do not feel able 
to sit up any longer.'’"’ 

HadiFt I better drojD in at Dr. MonvaPs as I pass, and 
ask him to come U23 and see you?^^ 

Yo, my dear, that is not necessary. A good nighPs 
rest will set me right. Good-night, gentlemen.'’^ 

As she sjDoke, Mme. de Malverne extended her right hand 
to her husband, who pressed a kiss upon it, and her left to 
Saint-Briac, who contented himself with shaking it in an 
embarrassed way. 

How fragile women are!^^ said Malverne as he and his 
friend stejDped out into the garden. My wife is a verita- 
ble sensitive plant, and I see, now that it is too late, that I 
should not have told her of the dangers you have passed 
through. It was chiefly a desire to explain your absence ot 
yesterday that led me to do it.''’ 

“ I could easily have invented some excuse.'’^ 

Yes, I did very wrong; but there is nothing we can do 
now but make the best of it. Come, let us finish our cigars 
in the Champs Elysees. '’^ 

Malverne led the way through the garden, ojDened the 
gate with a key which he took from his pocket, and the 
two friends had only to cross the quincunx to reach the 
main avenue. They Avalked along, side by side, for some 


' THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. Cl 

minutes without uttering a word; and they had reached 
the Palais de P Industrie when Hugh suddenly remarked to 
his companion: 

Jacques^ you ought to marry. 

Marry I'’ repeated the captain^ taken completely by 
surprise, and Avhy, pray?^^ 

Why, in order that you may, in future, avoid catas- 
trophes like that of yesterday."’^ 

I can avoid them, even though I remain a bachelor. 

You are very much mistaken. You will repeat your 
imprudence some fine day, and be caught. You have just 
had a narrow escape, and you can^t imagine how much 
difficulty I had in stopping the investigation so far as you 
are concerned. I am now in honor bound to find the real 
culprit, and if I fail in this, there will be nothing left for 
me but to send in my resignation. Besides, tell me the 
truth now, Avouldn^’t you be a hundred times happier than 
you are if you had married a wife like Odette 

Yes, certainly, replied Saint-Briac, with a furtive 
glance at his friend, but that was impossible.'’^ 

It depended entirely ujDon yourself a few years ago, I 
suspect. You knew Odette before her marriage; and I am 
thanldul you did not enter the lists as a suitor, for you wore^* 
a uniform in those days; and her father, old General de 
Benserade, had a decided fondness for the military. You 
did not offer yourself. I did, and was accejDted; and I 
congratulate myself upon my good luck every day of my 
life. But there are other charming women in the world;, 
and if you desire it, I am sure that Odette will gladly help 
you to find a wife.^^ 

Idl consider the matter,^-’ stammered the captain. 

W^ould you like me to speak to her about it?^^ 

W^hat! after telling her that my affections are already 
engaged 

You must first cure yourself of your present infatua- 
tion, of course. 

Ah, well, when I have done that Ave will see; but for 
the present I beg that you Avill not broach the subject to- 
your wife.-’ 

Of course not, if you say so; but you have no idea of 
the 2Derfect confidence that exists between two jieople that 
really love each other. It is absolute. Odette has never 
doubted me, and I have never doubted Odette. You are 


62 


THE AISTGEL OE THE BELLS. 


the dearest friend I have in the world; but if you should 
come and tell me my wife was deceiving me I would not 
believe you.'’^ 

A very strange supposition, I must say/^ stammered 
Saint-Briac, a dull red flush mounting to his brow; and 
really, I don^t know what to make of you to-day. You 
seem to take a strange delight in wounding your friends. 

I certainly do it unintentionally, if I d^o,^^ replied Mal- 
' verne gayly; and it is strange you should take offense at 
such an absurd supposition on my |)art. But I confess that 
I am not in my usual frame of mind. The absurd strict- 
ures of the procureur general vexed me, because I am not 
accustomed to them, probably. They haunt me, and I 
can not drive them out of my mind. Come, suppose we 
drop in at the club. It will divert my mind to watch the 
2)laying; and if watching the game does not serve to change 
the current of my thoughts, I believe I shall feel tempted 
to take a hand myself. 

It is barely ten oYlock, and I doubt if the playing has 
begun. I need no better j)roof of it than — 

Than what! Why do you jDause so abruptly, and what 
are you looking at?^^ 

Saint-Briac did not reply, but stood with his eyes riveted 
upon a gentleman who had just alighted from a very ele- 
gant coujDe, but who had no sooner done so that he was 
accosted by a very shabbily dressed 'man. 

“ Well?^^ continued Mai verne, giving his friend^ s arm a 
little shake. 

I am watching the person I called the king of baccarat 
a few moments ago — the Marquis de Pancorbo.'’^ 

Yes, I recognize him now. He is talking with a rather 
disreputable-looking fellow — this noble marquis. I am not 
surprised that you look upon him as a rather suspicious 
character. What can he have to say to a person of that 
stamp? Ah, the conference is ended, and the noble mar- 
quis is about to enter his carriage again. 

He is going to the club, you may be sure of that; and 
he will arrive in advance of us. Siij^iDOse we turn here and 
walk down as far the Place de la Concorde. The club- 
house is only a few steps from there, and I shall not be 
sorry to drop in, if only to satisfy myself that they are not 
discussing my mishap. 


THE AJSTGEL OE THE BELLS. 6^ 

How could they possibly have heard of it? Do you 
imagine that magistrates can not keep a secret ?^^ 

‘‘ Magistrates are men; and when they are married — 
You related my misfortunes to your wife/ you recollect. 

Oh^ that was very different. You are an intimate 
friend^ and I was absolutely sure of Odette '’s discretion; but 
vou may rest assured that they know nothing about it at 
the club.^^ 

But they certainly know that you have charge of the 
Investigation of the case. Your name appears in the even- 
ing edition of ^ La France/ which I have just read, and 
which publishes a long account of the Hotre Dame tragedy/"" 

Ah, well, if any one should take it into his head to 
question me, I shall answer him in a way that will cure 
him of any desire to try it again. 

On entering the main ^alon at the club-house, the first 
face they saw was that of M. de Pancorbo. There was 
already quite a little crowd of polite listeners around him, 
for he spoke French fluently, and without the slightest for- 
eign accent. 

The stories you are telling us are certainly very inter- 
esting, marquis,^ ^ exclaimed one of his auditors; but we 
are losing precious time. The altar is prepared, and they 
are waiting for you in the greenroom.’’^ 

Do not let me detain you, then, gentlemen. I will 
follow you in a moment,^^ replied the hidalgo, courteously^ 
leaving the group that had surrounded him. 

The others hastened e7i masse to the room devoted to 
baccarat, and Malverne allowed himself to be swept on by 
the crowd. Saint-Briac, who was a short distance behind 
him, was about to follow, when to his great surprise, he 
saw the marquis coming smilingly toward him. He accord- 
ingly waited, and M. de Pancorbo opened the conversation 
by saying: 

‘‘You canT think how delighted I am to see you here,, 
sir.'’^ 

This beginning naturally increased the astonishment of 
Saint-Briac, who replied coldly: 

“ And why, sir! I, like yourself, am in the habit of 
visiting the club every evening.'’^ 

“You were not here last evening, and I- scarcely ex- 
pected to see you here to-night, replied the marquis, still 
smiling. 


THE A^sTtEL OE the BELLS. 


64 


I was not aware tliat you took such an interest in me, 
and can scarcely believe that the joy you express at seeing 
me is sincere. We know each other but slightly, and you 
concern yourself about my absence as much as if I were a 
particular friend. You must have some object in speaking 
to me in this way, and I should like to know what it is.^^ 
You are entirely mistaken in regard to my motives, 
sir. It is only natural that I should rejoice at meeting you 
here after what happened to you yesterday. 

What do you mean?^^ asked the captain, sharply. 

I thought you understood me, for I sujDposed you saw 
me yesterday when you left the church of Notre Dame in 
quite a numerous company. It was by the merest chance 
that I happened to be there, I had just paid a visit to the 
church, and was leaving it, when to my profound astonish- 
ment, I perceived you. You were in the custody of two 
policemen who were conducting you to the Hotel-Dieu, 
It is not strange, however, that you did not notice me, for 
I was in the midst of the crowd, and you could have had 
no idea of seeing me at such a time.'’^ 

Saint-Briac could hardly control his consternation on 
hearing this unexpected announcement; but his agitation 
soon gave place to anger, an anger the more violent from 
Ihe fact that he was obliged to rej)ress it, for a scene in sucli 
a i)lace must be avoided at all hazards. 

Sir,'’^ he said, in a voice that was a trifle husky, I 
was, indeed, arrested yesterda}^ through mistake. I was 
taken for a scoundrel who had murdered a woman by pre- 
cijDitating her from the top of one of the church towers. 
To secure my release, I had 0]ily to make myself known, 
but I should greatly dislike to have this absurd affair talked 
about, and if it should become known here, it Avill be 
through you; so you may govern yourself accordingly.^^ 

I might very reasonably take offense at the tone you 
have assumed, responded the marquis politely, ^^but I 
can easily understand your annoyance, and shall content 
myself with calling your attention to the fact that if I had 
desired to spread the news of your arrest here, I should 
not have waited until you were set at liberty. I spent last 
■evening here, and did not say a word about what I iiad 
■seen. My allusion to the affair now, was due solely to the 
fact that it did not seem strictly honorable to me to leave 
jou in ignorance of the fact that chance had put me in 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 65 

possession of a secret I would scorn to betray. I thought 
I had acted the 23art of an honorable man, and it grieves 
me to hear threats when I certainly have reason to exjDect 
■ thanks, I will add, however, that all this does not alter 
my intentions in the least, and that you can depend upon 
my discretion. 

M. de Pancorbo^s words were so plain, his tone so firm, 
and his manner so frank, that they caused a revulsion of 
feeling in the cajotain'^s breast, and he asked himself if it 
would not be better to have this witness of his deplorable 
misha ]3 for a friend than an enemy. 

You make me regret my too great hastiness, sir,"’"’ he 
:said, in a less aggressive tone. I have no reason to 
blush for what has occurred; still, I shall be none the less 
obliged to you for keeping what is known to you alone a 
secret. I refused to disclose my name to the oflicers who 
.arrested me. It haj^pened, very fortunately, that the judge 
of instruction before whom I was summoned, proved to be 
a friend of twenty years^ standing. 

This friend was Monsieur de Malverne, who just came 
in with you,^^ remarked the marquis. 

You know himl^^ exclaimed the captain. 

I have seen him occasionally here, though he is a by 
HO means frequent visitor* but, to my very great regret, I 
have never had the honor of an introduction to him. I am 
not suiq^rised that you were restored to liberty this morn- 
ing.” 

This conversation was suddenly interrupted by Hugh de 
Malverne, who called out from the door- way : 

Come, Jacques, I have been waiting for you ten min- 
utes or more. The game is about to begin, and if you want 
to play, you had better make haste. 

M. de Pancorbo, who was standing with his back to the 
S23eaker, turned and bowed in the most deferential manner; 
and Saint-Briac thus cornered, could think of nothing bet- 
ter to do than to explain the situation to his friend then 
and there. 

My dear Hugh,^^ he said, the Marquis de Pancorbo, 
here, happened to be in front of the church of Kotre l)amo 
just as the police were taking me to the Hotel-Dieu. He 
dias kindly refrained from speaking to any one about what 
lie saw, but I think you will be glad to talk with him, as 
lie knows that I am indeJited to you for my release.'’^ 


66 


THE A^TGEL OE THE BELLS. 


Monsieur certainly did quite right to inform you of his 
knowledge of the affair/*^ was the magistrate's prompt 
reply. 

Oh^ I know very little about it/’ exclaimed the mar- 
quis. I heard some one in the crowd accuse yom^ friend 
of having thrown a woman I had never seen from the 
tower. But the accusation seemed so absurd that I had no 
doubt of his ability to clear himself.''^ 

Still you might have assisted him.*^^ 

By saying that I knew him? I did not think of doing; 
that^ but it occurred to me that I might annoy your friend,^ 
instead of befriending him. In such a case, I make it a. 
rule never to act without due reflection. I fancied, with- 
out exactly knowing why, that' a lady was mixed up in tho 
affair, and that Monsieur de Saint-Briac would prefer ta 
get out of the scrape without anj assistance from me. I 
need not add, however, that I intended to interfere after- 
ward, if the arrest was attended by any serious conse- 
quences, but I now congratulate myself upon having ab- 
stained from doing so. It can not be long before you 
discover the perpetrator of the atrocious crime, and when 
you have done so, there will be no possible doubt as to the 
unfortunate mistake that has been committed. 

There can be no possible doubt of that, even thougli 
we should not succeed in laying hands upon the real cul- 
23rit; but when the authorities make a mistake in suck 
matters, they prefer that the public should know notliing 
about it, and I, who had the honor to represent them in 
this matter, should be greatly obliged to you if you would 
say nothing about the error of which Monsieur de Saint- 
Briac was the victim. 

I shall be as silent as the grave. But may I venture 
to inquire if you have discovered any clew that may lead 
to the detection of the assassin ?^^ 

None whatever, as yet. It is the su]Dposition that he 
escaped by the church roof. He had plenty of time for 
that, for the police blundered unpardonably from the very 
beginning. 

The victim will probably be identified at the morgue, 
to which they have taken her, I hear. 

I hope so, but I am by no means confident of it. No 
papers of any sort were found uj)on her person, and the 
jewelry she wore was not made in France. If the pool** 


67 


THE AIs^GEL OF THE BEL£s. 

Ionian is a foreigner^ recently arrived in Paris^ as every- 
thing seems to indicate, there is a strong jDOssibility that no 
■one will come forward to claim the body/^ 

I shall doubtless surprise you very much when I tell 
^ou that I went to the morgue to-day to see the body: and, 
now you speak of it, I recollect that there are certain 
peculiarities in her attire which would seem to indicate that 
the lady is not a French woman. I have an extensive 
acquaintance with all the foreigners of distinction now in 
Paris, and I will inquire if there have been any new arrivals 
among them. Will you permit me, sir, to rejDort to you 
any information that I may collect?'’^ 

I not only authorize, but urgently request you to do so,’’^ 
.replied M. de Malverne. As long as I have this case on 
my hands, you will find me in my office at the palace every 
clay, between the hours of twelve and four.'’^ 

I will not forget the fact, and if I should succeed in 
obtaining any important information between now aiuh 
morning, I shall even venture to present myself at your 
house. 

Faubourg Saint-Honore, ISTo. 59.-^ 

I know; your residence has been pointed out to me, 
and I hojDe to soon become a neighbor, for I am now 
negotiating for the purchase of a .house on the Eue de 
I^Elysees. I am staying temporarily at the Continental, 
and if you should honor me with any communication, ad- 
dress it to me there. 

Very well, sir,^^ rej)lied the judge. But the card- 
players must be anathematizing me roundly, and I will no 
longer impose upon your good nature. The gentlemen are 
becoming impatient. 

That is because I owe them their revenge,'’^ said the 
marquis, smiling. I have had a most remarkable run of 
luck for a month past, but fortune will soon weary of 
favoring me. When that day comes I shall be delighted, 
gentlemen, to see you among my conquerors. I have a 
p)resentiment that such will be my fate this evening, so if 
you feel tempted to try your luck — 

‘MYe will rejoin you presently in the greenroom, in- 
terrupted Hugh. 

M. de Pancorbo understood him, and, with a respectful 
bow, started off to join the party already assembled around 
the card-table. 


68 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


Certainly misfortunes never come singly/^ said tlie- 
captain^ gloomily^ as soon as lie was once more alone with. 
his friend. ^ ‘ It was not enough to be arrested^ but this, 
Spaniard must needs be on hand just in time to see me 
23ass in the custody of the police. 

I wonder Avhat he was doing in that unfrequented part 
of the town?'’'' said M. de Malverne^ thoughtfully. 

He 2 )retends that he had just jpaid a visit to ISTotre 
Dame.'"’ 

I don'’t believe a word of it. A man who sjoends his 
nights in playing baccarat does not spend his days in ad- 
miring the public buildings of Paris. This foreigner seems 
to me a very suspicious character^ and I am more than ever 
inclined to have him watched.'"’ 

You surely do not go so far as to imagine that he is the^ 
murderer?'’" queried Saint-Briac. 

It would not particularly surprise me."" 

But remember that there was nothing to oblige him to 
say that he was there at the time of my arrest."" 

If he told you so, it was only to give you to understand 
that he could proclaim the unfortunate a&air everywhere if 
he chose, and that he had a way of getting even with you 
if you should attemjit tb meddle with his affairs. The 
same threat is addressed indirectly to me, who am youi*^ 
friend and also the judge of instruction. But I must go 
home now. I am anxious to know how my wife feels."" 

I hope you will say nothing to her about Monsieur de 
Pancorbo."" 

I shall take good care not to do that. I feel too sorry 
that I ha^e given her a headache by telling her of your 
mishaps. Good-night."" 

But I am going with you."" 

Ho, no, don't think of such a thing. Eemain here, ! 
beg, and keejD an eye on our hidalgo. If he enters inte 
conversation with you again, try to make him talk about 
the 2 >eeple he knows in Paris."" 

The captain allowed his friend to dejDart without further 
opposition. He, himself, felt gloomy and perplexed. M.. 
de Pancorbo had said nothing of any very great imj)ortance 
to him, but he could not drive away a suspicion that he 
was at this dangerous foreigner" s mercy. StilL he could, 
not declare war upon him, for reasons that he could not. 
divulge to Hugh. All desire to play had been dispelled by 


' THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. G& 

liis conversation with M. de Pancorbo^ and there was noth- 
ing left for him but to drive away his sadness and uneasi- 
ness by a walk in the 'Champs Elysees- 

So he started to leave the club-house, but as he did so, 
he was not a little surprised to see, talking with one of dhe 
servants, the shabbily dressed man he had seen . talking 
with the marquis in the Champs Elysees, about half an 
hour before. This man had just given a letter to the 
liveried footman, and the captain felt sure that the missive, 
must be intended for M. de Pancorbo. 

What were the relations that existed between these two* 
men.^ Saint-Briac asked himself this question, without 
being able to answer it, and passed on without attracting; 
the suspicious messenger's attention. 

Once outside, the idea occurred to him that he might 
wait and see if the noble Spaniard would join his strange 
correspondent, and he accordingly stationed himself at tliH. 
base of one of the statues that surround the Place de la. 
Concorde, and about fifty yards from the entrance to the 
club-house. He had not been there ten minutes before he 
saw Pancorbo and his friend in the distance, walking side 
by side toward a long line of carriages that edged the 
j^avement between the Avenue Gabriel, and the broad 
avenue leading to the Arc de TriomiDhe. 

The news brought by the shabbily attired messenger 
must have been of an important nature, for the marquis 
■would not have been likely to leave a game in which he was 
winning heavily, for any mere trifle. E^or was it natural 
that he should take a hackney coach when his own coupe 
was standing close by. 

The captain instantly resolved to follow him, and seeing . 
him jDause beside a carriage at the further end of the line, : 
he hastened to the last vehicle in tho row, woke the sleep- ^ 
ing coachman, and said: 

I)o you see those gentlemen up there? I want you to 
follow the carriage they enter. Ifil give you twenty francs 
if yoiiTl keejD in sight of them.'’^ 

The shabbily clad man opened the door of the carriage, 
and M. de Pancorbo entered it, followed by his companion. 

The captain waited until they drove off, then sprung into 
his own carriage, crying : 

Xow, d river 

The carriage that was carrying the hidalgo turned to the 


70 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS.' 


Tight, and began to ascend the ayenne of the Champs 
Elysees. It did not go very rapidly, and Saint-Briac^s 
'Coachman had no difficulty in following it at a little dis- 
tance. 

Suddenly the vehicle which he was pursuing left the 
avenue, turned into the Eue Marbeuf, and suddenly 
.stopped. The captain hastily lowered one of the windows 
in the front of the carriage, and told his coachman to go 
no further. He was anxious to avoid a meeting with M. 
de Pancorbo, but he wanted to see what was about to hap- 
pen — to see without being seen, and his coachman had the 
jDresence of mind to stop his horse about twenty yards from 
the other carriage, which had paused almost directly under 
a street lamp. 

Erom this point the Eue de Marbeuf made a rapid 
descent into a sort of hollow which has since been filled up, 
but which was then almost uninhabited. That night, it 
looked very like a dark and bottomless pit, though it was 
only about fifty yards from the main avenue of the 
Champs Elysees, which was ablaze with lights. 

What could the noble marquis be in search of here? The 
captain was just asking himself this question, when he saw 
the shabbily dressed man who had come to the club in 
search of M. de Pancorbo, alight from the first vehicle. 
Saint-Briac waited to’ see the mysterious hidalgo make his 
'appearance, likewise; but, to his great astonishment, the 
man closed the door, paid the coachman, aiid walked rapid- 
ly down the street. What had become of the Spaniard? 
The captain thought that he must have remained in the 
vehicle, and that he would now give orders to be driven to 
the Continental Hotel. But he soon abandoned this idea, 
for the driver turned his horse^s head, and as he jDassed his 
iellow-coachman explained the whole situation to the won- 
dering captain by saying: ' 

I have just droj)ped a droll customer. He picked me 
up on the Place de la Concorde; but though two 23assengers 
entered my carriage, only one of them stayed in it. The 
ether only passed through it, went in at one door, and out 
at the other. It is the old story of fooling the detectives . 
who are watching them. It is all the same to me, though, 
as the one I brought here loaid a hundred sous for his 
ride.^^ 

And you had the satisfaction of fooling the ^Dolice be- 


THE AHGEL OF THE HELLS. 71 

sideS;, and that is worth more/^ replied the other coach- 
man. • 

A glance at the interior of the passing vehicle satisfied 
the captain that it was empty. His expedition had proved 
a failure^, for he had no idea of starting down the gloomy' 
Erie Marbeuf in pursuit of the Spaniard'’ s subordinate.. 
The man was too far in advance for Saint-Briac to have 
any hope of overtaking him; but one fact was established 
to the latter'’ s entire satisfaction, viz., that M. de Pancorbo 
led a very mysterious existence, and that he did not desire 
any one to meddle with his affairs. 

In fact, Saint-Briac was beginning to realize that he had 
just been guilty of an act of folly, and that it would be ad- 
visable for him to leave this dangerous individual undis- 
turbed. Besides, he felt a need of rest after the excitement 
of this eventful evening, and so decided to return home. 

The Avenue d^Antin is not far from the Eue de Mar- 
beuf, and the idea of a walk in the crisp air was pleasant;, 
so he dismissed his coachman after paying him liberally, 
and walked down the Champs Elysees as far as the Eond 
Point, where he paused an instant to satisfy himself that 
no one was following him. Since his mishaps of the even- 
ing before, he had become suspicious of everybody. 

Eeaching home in that frame of mind in which the 
merest trifle alarms one, he frowned slightly on perceiving 
a letter which his valet had placed in a conspicuous place 
on the table in the smoking-room. 

This letter had the stamp of the club upon it, but the 
handwriting was unknown to him. He tore it open nerv- 
ously, and a single glance showed him that it bore no sig- 
nature. It contained only about thirty lines; but its very 
brevity was portentous. 

Sir,” wrote his anonymous correspondent, “ I supposed that 
you had understood me, and that we could trust each oiher. Tour 
secret is in my possession, and 1 was more than willing to be silent, 
provided you would not seek to discover mine. You have chosen 
to play the spy on me. I caught you at it, on the Place de la Con- 
corde just now, and for this once, I contented myself with mj^stify- 
ing you. But as you will be sure to repeat the attempt, I feel it my 
duty to warn you that if you try anything of the kind again, I will 
make you repent of yoiir meddling with matters that do not con- 
cern you. My vengeance is ready, and a cruel vengeance it is. 

“ You think, perhaps, that I will confine myself to spreading the 
story of your arrest everywhere. You are very much mistaken. I 


72 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


shall do much worse than that. I know the lady who was with you 
yesterday, the lady j^ou refused to name to your friend, the investi- 
gating magistrate. Ah, well, I will tell him her name, and when 
he hears it, you will see how he will punish 5^11 and your accom- 
plice. You are now warned. Govern yourself accordingly.” 

That was all. The letter fell from, the nerveless hands 
of Saint-Briac, who could only falter : 

Odette at the mercy of this wretch! I will kill him! 
I must kill him!^^ 


CHAPTEE IV. 

The large clock in the Hotel-Dieu has just struck ten. 
Alfred Daubrac has completed his round of morning visits,, 
tind is preparing to go out. Pie had received a message 
irom Meriadec the evening before^, requesting him to call 
and see him at the first opportunity^ and he was about to 
obey the summons. 

He j)aused on tlie j)ortico of the hospital to light his 
oigar, for he indulged in pipes only in the privacy of his 
own chamber^ and before stepping down upon the 2)^^ve- 
nient, he glanced up at the old cathedral which has reared 
its magnetic form high above the surrounding buildings 
. for centuries. ' Suddenly his attention was attracted by a 
■sound which was familiar to him from having been often 
heard by the bedside of the “feick and dying. Some one was 
^sobbing behind him. He turned, and saw a young girl 
just leaving the hospital, with her face buried in her hand- 
kerchief. He recognized her, however, by her golden hair, 
and said to her hastily: 

You here, mademoiselle! What has hapj^ened?^^ 

My father, my poor father !^^ murmured Eose Ver- 
diere, weeping bitterly. 

^MVhat! has he, too, fallen from the tower?^'’ asked 
Daubrac, who had a very bad habit of jesting uj^on any 
and all occasions. 

He had a stroke last night, replied the girl, with a 
rej^roachful look. 

A stroke of paralysis? The deuce! That is a serious 
matter. And he has been brought to the hos|)ital, I sup- 
pose. What ward is he in?^^ 

St. Andrews’s ward.'’ 


THE A^^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


Good! the jdiysician there is a ^^articular friend of 
mine. I will recommend your father to him ; and if there 
is such a thing as saving him, he will be saved. 

They just told me that there was no hope for him/^ 
sobbed Eose. 

One must never despair/^ said Daubrac kindly,, 
touched by the sight of this sincere sorrow. ‘‘We will da 
our very best to cure him. But you, mademoiselle, what 
are you going to do? Are you going to remain alone in 
your quarters in the tower 

“ They turned me out this morning. 

“ Turned you out?^^ 

“ Alas, yes! My father was dismissed yesterday on ac- 
count of that unfortunate affair. I can not take his place,, 
and the position can not be left vacant. The new keei)er 
entered upon his duties this morning. There is nothing 
left for me to do but to seek a refuge elsewhere; but I 
know not where to go.'^^ 

“ I have one to offer you. Oh, do not mistake my mean- 
ing. Have you any confidence in me? You know me but 
slightly, yet I hope that you believe me incapable of deceiv- 
ing you.'^'^ 

“ Yes,^^ said the girl gravely. 

“ Ah, well, I have a plan; and if you Avill agree to it, I 
am sure that everything can be satisfactorily arranged. 
You recollect the gentleman who went up into the tower 
with me the other day — not the one in the red cap — the 
one in the broad-brimmed hat. ^ ^ 

“ Yes; he returned alone, about an hour after your de- 
parture, and had a talk with me. 

“ Oh, ho!^^ muttered Daubrac. “ I had no idea that he 
'would repeat his visit in order to get another look at you: 
but I am not surprised. - 

“ He did not come back to the tower to see me; he went 
up as far as the gallery, and found a child that he took 
away with him.-^^ 

“ A child! That is news, indeed. It is probably to tell 
me about this newly found treasure that he is so anxious to 
see me. But to return to your affairs, mademoiselle. What 
do you think of my friend 

“ I could not think otherwise than well of him; he has^. 
such a frank and honest face, and he showed a very kind 


74 


THE Aiv^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


interest in me during the short conversation we had to- 
gether. 

Then you doiiH dislike- him 
^ ^ ISTo^ certainly not. ^ ^ 

Did he tell you his name?^^ 

I did not ask it.^'’ 

^ ‘ He is the Baron de Meriadec. He has a small fortune, 
and no other occupation than to do good to those around 
him. He' was created and placed in this world to defend 
the weak and protect the innocent. I should add, per- 
haps, t;hat he has reached an age when he can constitute 
himself the guardian of a young girl without compromis- 
ing her in the least. 

I do not gainsay all this; but what are you aiming at?^^ 
^VTo ask you if you would object to placing yourself 
under his jDrotection. I assure you, ujoon my honor, that 
you will never repent of having accepted the hospitality he 
will deem it a jdeasure to offer you.^^ 

You surely do not make this proposal seriously 
^ ‘ So seriously that I am ready to take you there at once. 
He lives on the Eue Cassette in a little house that seems to 
have been built expressly to accommodate two sei^arate 
families. He lives there alone, attended by a worthy 
woman, who would go through fire and water for him. 
Why should you not take possession of the pavilion. It is 
entirely de*tached from the other part of the house. It is 
very plainly furnished, and would be just the place for a 
maker of artificial flowers to carry on her trade. You 
could live there upon the proceeds of your labor as honor- 
ably as in your casemate in the north tower. 

‘ ^ But, sir, your friend scarcely knows me. Why should 
he take an interest in me?^^ 

I repeat that he takes a deej) interest in all who are in 
trouble, mademoiselle,^^ replied Daubrac. He knows 
you, however, much better than you suppose; for I have 
often spoken to him about you, and you can not suppose 
that I have ever spoken ill of you. 

Still, that does not justify you in disjDOsing of him and 
his house without consulting him."^^ 

‘‘We will consult him, then. The Eue Cassette is not 
nt the uttermost ends of the earth. We shall be there in a 
^quarter of an hour if we take a carriage. 

I do not dare,'’^ murmured Eose. 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


75 


‘ ‘ It is certainly much easier and less embarrassing than 
to go about among strangers seeking a shelter; and this is 
what you will be compelled to do if you decline my pro- 
posal^ for you can not stay in the street. 

Eose hung her head^ and said not a word ; but it was evi- 
dent that she felt the force of this argument. At last she- 
raised her head, looked the young surgeon full in the face, 
and said firmly: 

Will you swear to me, upon your honor, that you have 
no evil motive in giving me this advice 

How suspicious you are!^^ cried Daubrac, gayly. I 
would certainly be the worst of scoundrels to set such a trap 
for you. You are not a stranger to me. For more than 
six months I have seen you passing every day, and have 
heard all about you. I know that no life could be purer 
and nobler than yours. An opportunity offers to do you a 
service, do not be' surprised that I embrace it. When you 
have seen Meriadec, you will thank me for having taken 
you to him. But if we waste any more time talking here,, 
we shall miss our friend of the Eue Cassette. Come, we 
shall find a carriage on the Quai Saint Michel. 

Five minutes later Eose and the young surgeon were 
bowling swiftly along toward the home of the baron, wha 
little expected a visit from the Angel of the Bells. The 
'young girl was grave and thoughtful, but Albert enlivened 
the drive by his animated conversation. He questionedT 
her so adroitly that he soon learned all the particulars of her 
life with her father, ascertained all about the establish- 
ments for which she worked, and the wages she could earn 
at her trade. He also learned that she had lost her mother 
about ten years before, and that she would be left entirely 
alone i]i the world if her father did not recover from his ill- 
ness; and when he had learned all about this past, which 
was as clear tas crystal, and this gloomy future, he grew still 
more enthusiastic over his plan of placing Eose under 
Meriadec^ s protection. 

Tell me something about the child my friend found 
upon the church roof,'’^ Daubrac said, suddenly. What 
the deuce was he going to do with the boy?^’ 

Monsieur Meriadec had not time to tell me; he seemed 
in a great hurry to get the boy away,^^ replied Eose. Be- 
sides, I should not have dared to question him on the sub- 
ject. The idea, however, did occur to me that the little 


76 THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 

fellow had perhaps gone np into the tower with the nn- 
fortnnate woman who fell from the top of it. I was not at 
home when she went ii-p, and so I did not see her pass."^^ 

I am satisfied that your supposition is correct; and I 
.'Should not be afraid to bet almost any amount that we shall 
find the poor little fellow at the Ene Cassette. Meriadec^’s 
pet dream is to conyert his home into an orphan asylum. 
All this happens yery fortunately^ for yon are so kind- 
hearted that yon must be yery fond of children, and this 
little fellow will be company for you; and if he is connected 
with the tragedy, as I suspect he is^ — 

Daubrac did not haye time to finish his sentence, for the 
<3arriage had paused in front of a modest gate-way. 

Here we are, mademoiselle,^^ remarked the surgeon. 

The home of the last of the barons of Meriadec is not 
yery imposing, but you must not judge entirely by outward 
;appearances.^'^ 

The gate was not locked, so Daubrac had only to turn 
the knob to gain an entrance into a square courtyard, sur- 
rounded on three sides by a rambling one-story house. The 
structure was much dilapidated, and must haye been built 
a long time, for its walls were coyered with moss, and tufts 
of grass had sprung up between the stones in the payed 
court-yard. 

Here is the payilion you will probably occup}^, mad- 
emoiselle,^^ said Daubrac, pointing to the left wing of this 
humble abode. Meriadec occupies the apartments op- 
posite. 

Eeally, you dispose of his house as if it belonged to 
you,^^ remarked the girl. 

It might as well belong to me, as you will see."^^ 

And he called Meriadec^ s name in a yoice that rung out 
like a clarion. 

A window was opened almost instantly, and the baron 
appeared, clad in a bournous which he had brought back 
with him from Algiers; and as he had drawn the hood of 
this singular garment oyCr his head, Eose did not know him 
at first, but he recognized her at the yery first glance; and, 
uttering an exclamation of mingled joy and surprise, he 
hastily left the window and rushed down-stairs. 

What shall I say to him?^^ murmured the girl. 

[N’othing,^^ replied the surgeon, laughing, ‘‘ I will speak 
for you. ’-’ 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


77 


Daiibrac kept liis j)romise faithfully, and pleaded his 
protegee'’ s cause well. He explained the situation briefly 
and clearly, and Meriadec listened in a positive flutter of 
-delight. 

Eose, reassured by the baron^s greeting, began to make 
/excuses for thus coming to ask his hospitality; but Meriadec 
did not give her time to finish, but interrupted her to thank 
her for the pleasure she would confer upon him by consent- 
ing to become his tenant. 

ddie young surgeon suggested that they should take Eose 
xo see the part of the house she was to occupy, and inquired 
if the left wing was ready for the young girhs reception. 

All ready, replied the kind-hearted baron. I have 
a child there now; but you know the wing contains three 
rooms — two of them bedrooms.^'’ 

A child exclaimed the surgeon. Well, I am not 
^surprised. I always suspected you of an intention to found 
an oiqDhan asylum.'’^ 

I will explain how and why I picked it up. You and 
mademoiselle will both approve, I am sure.*’^ 

AYu need not explain. I know where the boy came 
from. 

Yes; I told Monsieur Daubrac that you found him in 
the gallery that unites the tower of Notre Dame,^^ said 
Eose. 

But you can not keep him indefinitely.^^ 

^ ^ I shall at least keep him until I have discovered the 
unfortunate woman^s murderer.'’^ 

The gentleman we had arrested is certainly not the 
:murderer.'’^ 

No. I am perfectly satisfied of that; and I know the 
real culprit. I saw him at the morgue, which he had the 
audacity to visit, in order to get a look at his dead wife.'’^ 

His wifeT'’ 

Yes; the wretch is the husband of the murdered 
woman, and the father of the child I brought home with 
me.'’'’ 

How do you know?^^ 

The boy recognized him at the morgue, and told me 
his whole history. He and his parents are Eussians. He 
came to Paris with his mother, where his father met them, 
■firmly resolved, apparently, to get rid of them both.^'’ 

And he succeeded. Well, the authorities will have na 


78 


THE AKGEL OE THE BELLS. 


difficulty in finding him now. You have notified them^ I. 
suppose ?” 

Yo. I was unable to furnish them with any definite 
information in regard to him. The lad is ignorant of his 
family name. He only knows that his father is called Paul 
Constantinowitch; his mother^ Xenia Iwanowna, and he 
himself Sacha; but that is all he knows. 

That is very strange. DonT you think it would be 
fine sport for us to set to work and ferret out the perpetra- 
tor of the deed?^^ 

Yes, and if you had not come here this morning, I 
should have called on you to propose that you assist me in 
the undertaking. I have already secured one auxiliary, the 
artist who witnessed the crime. 

A hare-brained fellow, is he not?^^ 

Hot so much so as you suppose. You can judge for 
yourself, however, if you dike. He is here now, and we 
were talking the matter over when you called me. But* we 
forget that Mademoiselle Verdiere is standing here in the 
sun, and that it is time to show her the apartments she 
consents to occupy. 

‘Hf I felt any hesitation about accepting the hospitality 
you so kindly offer, the presence of this child would decide 
me,^^ said Pose quickly. I will care for him as though 
he were my own.'’^ 

Come, mademoiselle,^^ said Daubrac. You will see 
that our* friend Meriadec is very comfortably fixed, after 
all. He has excellent taste, and has collected a host of 
curiosities during his travels. 

They found Fabreguette standing by the fire-place, 
emptying the ashes from his pipe upon the marble mantel. 
When the young girl entered, he condescended to remove 
the famous red cap which left his head only upon great 
occasions. 

Meriadec pushed forward an arm-chair, which Eose ac~ 
cepted, and Daubrac seated himself astride a wooden stool 
chair that the baron must have brought from the wilds of 
Brittany. 

Well, what conclusion have you arrived at?^'’ inquired 
the surgeon. I understand that you have been deliberat- 
ing upon the best means of capturing the assassin you saw 
at the morgue. If I can be of any service you can count 
upon me.^^ 


79 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 

I did count upon ydu/^ said Fabreguette, leaning an 
■elbow upon the table near which he had just seated him- 
self. Will mademoiselle also consent to aid us?^^ 

I will take care of the child while you search for the 
•assassin. 

Perfect exclaimed the painter. Our band is com- 
plete now. A charming lady and three brave knights 
against one cowardly scoundrel. The only thing necessary 
noW;, is to come to a thorough understanding with the hand- 
some gentleman who was arrested by mistake. But hard! 
some one is coming up the steps now,^^ said Fabreguette 
suddenh^ What if it should be he?^^ 

The sound of measured footsteps soon became distinctly 
audible, and this was followed by a timid rap at the door. 
Meriadec rose hastily, and opening it, found himself face to 
face with a man he instantly recognized. Fabrequette had 
guessed correctly. This man was the prisoner whom the 
judge of instruction had released, and whom the baron had 
met upon the boulevard in front of the Palais de Justice. 

Excuse me, sir,^^ he said, courteously. called to 
ask you to give me a few moments of your time, but I see 
that you are not ^al9ne.^^ 

Come in, sir, replied Meriadec, eagerly. My 
guests are persons whom you knoiyy and who will be all the 
more glad to see you from the faot that we were just speak- 
ing of you.^^ 

But you were not expecting to see me, I judge. I was 
ignorant of your name and address until it was given me 
by my friend. Monsieur de Malverne, the magistrate who 
summoned you as a witness, but who was unable to give 
you a hearing. I know that I am speaking to an honorable 
man, and I do not hesitate to introduce myself. I was 
formerly an officer of cavalry, and my name is Jacques de 
Saiiit-Briac. Need 1 add that I have come to confer with 
jou in regard to the unfortunate affair in which, by the 
merest chance, you are mixed up.^^ 

‘ ‘ And in which we were guilty of such a deplorable mis- 
take. We all know what to think now — I, my friend 
Daubrac, surgeon at the Hotel-Dieu, Monsieur Fabreguette 
and Mademoiselle Kose Yerdiere.'’^ 

The captain bowed low in acknowledgment of this gen- 
eral introduction, and said: 

I congratulate myself upon my good fortune in finding 


80 


THE AKGEH OE THE BELLS. 

yotir friends here; and with your permission, I will explain 
the object of my visit to them, as well.'’^ 

But before the captain could do so, Daubrac hastily in- 
terposed, and said : 

It is not very difficult to divine that you have called to 
ask our friend Meriadec if he could not give you some in- 
formation concerning the perpetrator of the crime com- 
mitted on the tower of Notre Dame. Well, the baron has. 
seen him.^'^ 

And I, too, have seen him,^^ cried Pabreguette. 

And we met here to-day for consultation,'’^ added Dau- 
brac, having solemnly pledged ourselves to find the mur- 
derer and deliver him up to the judge who admitted your 
innocence. 

I would rather have my revenge in a different way,^^' 
replied ' Saint-Briac. 

Yes, I understand. You would prefer to avoid the 
scandal of a criminal suit in which you would perhaps be 
compelled to figure, and which might compromise a lady; 
but you can have no intention of shooting the rascal at 
sight, and you would do him too much honor by .challeng- 
ing him; so I don^’t see but what you will be obliged to let 
the law take its course. Still, we are not called upon to 
decide that point now, as we have not yet captured the 
scoundrel. Meriadec and Pabreguette both saw him, but 
he managed to escape them. Meriadec will tell you about 
it.^^ 

The baron did so, beginning with his second visit to the 
tower of Notre Dame. He told how he found Sacha, what , 
he had done, and wiiat had occurred at the morgue, to all C 
of which Saint-Briac listened with a very natural interest, 
but without manifesting the satisfaction he should have ex- 
perienced. 

We were unable to overtake him, unfortunately,'’'’ said 
Meriadec, in conclusion, and I caught only a glimpse of 
his face, but I feel sure I should recognize him. ’^ 

What sort of a looking person is he?^^ inquired the 
caiDtain. 

He is tall, with rather broad shoulders, but elegantly 
formed. He has regular features, a dark complexion, very 
black eyes and hair, and he wears a mustache — no beard. 

This description corresponded in every particular with 


THE AJs^GEL OF THE BELLS. ' 81 

that of M. de Paiicorbo, and Saint-Briac, struck by this 
coincidence^ asked how old the gentleman appeared to be. 

I should say that he was about your age^ and he looks^ 
not unlike you. Seen from a distance;, you might easily be 
mistaken for him. If you would like to see for yourself;, I 
will show you a sketch I made about a quarter of an hour 
after our meeting. It was very hastily done;, but it may 
give you some idea of the person. 

The artist drew from his pocket a sketch book that never 
left him — for he worked often er in the street than in his 
attic — ^found the jDage, and placed it before the eyes of 
Saint-BriaC;, who exclaimed: 

It is he — 

^^It is he?^^ repeated Fabreguette. ‘‘Then you, too,, 
have seen him?^^ 

“ No,^^ stammered Saint-Briac. “I mean that the 
23or trait strongly resembles — 

“ Some one you susjoect of being the assassin,^^ concluded 
Daubrac. 

“ Something like that. But mere suspicions are not 
enough, and I have no proofs. 

“ No matter!^'’ exclaimed Meriadec. “ Will you have 
the goodness to tell me ujDon what you base your suspicions. 
It will be a starting point, and the information you can 
give us will perhaps put us on the scoundreFs track. 

Saint-Briac being thus cornered, was obliged to explain. 
He felt sure that he was dealing with reliable men, and 
that it Avould be better to explain the situation to them 
clearly, without disclosing the great secret, however; that 
is to say, without mentioning Mme. de Malverne. 

“ Gentlemen, he began, “ you know that at the time 
the crime was committed, I was in the gallery bf the 
church with a lady whose name I was unwilling to give, 
for reasons you, of course, understand. 

“ Yes, and each of us would have done the same under 
the same circumstances."’^ 

, “ Well, last evening, at the club to which I belong, I 
was accosted by a comparative stranger, who told me that 
he had seen me crossing the square, in the custody of two 
policemen, the day before. This announcement seemed 
very strange to me, though it was accomjDanied by protesta-- 
tions of secrecy; and Avhile wondering how the gentlemaii 


82 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 


happened to be there just at that moment^ it occurred to 
me that he was perha]3s descending from the south tower. 

Is the gentleman a Eussian?-^^ 

No, he is a Spaniard, or pretends to be, but he strong- 
ly resembles the sketch you just showed me.'’^ 

This simplifies matters,''^ cried Daubrac. We shall 
only have to bring the child Meriadec found into this per- 
sonas presence. He would recognize the man at once. 
Where does the scoundrel live?^'’ 

At the Continental Hotel, but — 

Sacha certainly did not go to that hotel on his arrival 
in the city. He talks of a large private house where there 
were no other people.-’^ 

Perhaps this man has some other home. But now will 
you permit me to explain why I do not wish to apjDear in ' 
the matter? On leaving the club, I saw this Marquis de 
Pancorbo — ^for that is the title he bears — enter a hackney 
ooach in company with a very shabbily dressed man, and I 
lollowed their carriage until it stopped at the corner of the 
Eue Marbeuf. But the Spaniard was not in the vehicle. 
He had seen me watching him upon the Place de la Con- 
oorde, and he had only passed through the carriage in which 
his companion remained. On returning home, I found a 
letter from him which he had written at the club, after 
pretending to enter the carnage. In this letter, he gives 
me his ultim atum. He declares that he also saw the lady 
who was with me — that he knows her, and that if I con- 
tinue to watch his movements, he will denounce me to her 
husband. 

He is a venomous scoundrel, upon my word!^^ ex- 
claimed the surgeon. We certainly must bring him to 
justitje. 

But take notice, gentlemen, that he does not confess 
the crime. 

He will have to confess ifc, if the boy recognizes him.'’^ 

Perhaps so, but in that case, he will carry out his 
threats, and the woman I love will be irretrievably ruined. 

^t But why, if you do not appear in the matter. He Can 
not know that you are in league with Meriadec.'’^ 

Saint-Briac shook his head dubiously, and said, with an 
emotion he did not attempt to conceal: 

Gentlemen, I leave it to you, and to mademoiselle, 
here — who has been so kind as to listen to my story — ought 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 83 

for the sake of punishing an assassin^ deliver this lady up 
to this scoundrers revenge?'’^ 

'No/’ replied Eose, firmly. 

It is the hearty not the reason, that prompts this re- 
ply/'’ interposed the surgeon, quickly. What! here is a. 
scoundrel who kills his wife and deserts his child! We- 
know it. It is in our power to prove it, and we say noth- 
ing! That would he unworthy of us — ^in a word, ari*ant 
cowardice.'’'’ 

And seeing Saint-Briac turn pale, Dauhrac hastily added t 
You, yourself, sir, must see that I am right. Besides,, 
as I just told you, you need take no part in our chase after 
this pretended Spaniard. He knows that it was not yon 
who cared for the child he abandoned, as you were arrested 
immediately after the crime, and it is the child who will do 
the work after all. You need not appear in the matter.'’'’ 

‘‘You are sure, gentlemen, perfectly sure, that Sacha 
will aid you in securing his father^ s conviction?'’'’ 

“ It will be enough if he identifies him as the man who 
met him on his arrival in Paris, and who went up into the 
tower with him. We will do the rest.'’'’ 

“ Does he know that his mother has been murdered ?^^ 

“ Ho,^'’ replied Meriadec. “ I liavenT had the heart to 
tell him.^'’ 

“ So much the better,^'’ exclaimed Daubrac. “ He will 
not hesitate to identify the scoundrel when we bring him 
into his presence.'’^ 

Just then a door at the lower end of the room suddenly 
opened, and Sacha rushed in. He was very pale, and his-^ 
face plainly showed that he had heard all. Kunning 
straight up to Meriadec, he cried: 

“ Is it true that he killed her?^'’ 

“ I wished to conceal the fact from you, my boy,'’^ mur- 
mured the baron, deeply moved, “ but as you know it — '’'’ 

“ I know that you suspect him. How prove to me that 
it was he.'’'’ 

Meriadec made no reply. He could not summon up 
courage to explain to the poor little fellow why the mur- 
derer could be none other than the man they had met at 
the morgue; but the surgeon, who was less timorous than 
his friend, undertook the task. 

“ My boy,'’^ he said, kindly, “ your mother was thrown 
from the top of the tower which she ascended with your 


^4 THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 

■father, who disappeared after the catastrophe that made 
yoa an orphan. He fled, without troubling himself about 
jou, whom he had left at the foot of this same tower. Ho 
jou not think, with us, that he alone could have committed 
this atrocious crime? And that being the case, I am sure 
you will not refuse to aid us in avenging your mother. 

How?""^ inquired the child, with a coolness which as- 
Ttonished his listeners. 

By delivering her murderer up to justice.'’^ 

But how can that be done?^^ 

By accompanying one of us to his residence, and, wdien 
you are brought face to face with him, to call him by name, 
and ask him what has become of the Countess Xenia,^^ re- 
plied Meriadec. 

He will run away exactly as he did yesterday when I 
met him in the morgue.'’^ 

But we will overtake him this time,^^ replied Fabre- 
guette. He will not always have a carriage and a fleet 
-horse at his disposal. 

Very well. I am ready. Where shall we And him?^^ 

If I knew I would take you there at once,^^ said Meri- 
adec. We have an idea that he is living at one of the 
large hotels under an assumed name, but we must satisfy 
ourselves that we are right before proceeding any further. 

I feel strongly inclined to go and examine the houses 
on the Eue de Marbeuf,^^ added Haubrac, who had listened 
Tery attentively to the captain^ s history of his adventures. 

Sacha might perhaps recognize the one to which he was 
taken on his arrival in the city.^'’ 

Yes, if I could see the inside of it, I should recognize 
the chamber where I slept, and the servant who waited 
upon me; but I do not remember the outside of the house 
^t all. I only recollect that we entered it by a large gate- 
way, and that it was necessary to descend a badly paved 
street to reach it. I fell asleep on the way, and the jolting 
woke me.'^^ 

^ ^ Then it was. probably on the Eue de Marbeuf that you 
spent the night. You breakfasted there, too, I su23pose?^^ 

Yes, witli mamma. Paul Constantinowitch went out 
•early in the morning. We only had some tea and eggs."^^ 

Served by a servant?'’^ 

Yes, by a man who wore a very ugly livery, and who 


THE Ai^^GEL OF THE BELLS. 85 

did not understand his business. He broke two plates while 
"we were at breakfast/ and mamma scolded him.^^ 

In Eussian?''' 

Xo^ be was a Frenchman. 

Tell me^ my dear Sacba/^ continued Daubrac, when 
jou went out^ after breakfast^ to visit Hotre Dame, did you 
pass down a broad avenue shaded on both sides by tall 
trees 

Yes, and afterward, we crossed a square where there 
was a fountain, and statues. Then we came to a quay, and 
the river was on our right. 

I am sure now,^^ said Fabreguette. “ The little chap 
<came from the Eue de Marbeuf, and, I will pledge m3^self 
to discover the house where he spent the night. 

Sacha cast a side glance at the artist, whose familiarity 
annoyed him, then turned suddenly to Meriadec, who had 
not taken a very prominent part in the conversation thus 
far. 

You have not introduced me to that lady and gentle- 
man,^^ he remarked, pointing to Eose and Saint-Briac. 

You must have seen this young lady on the tower stair- 
way, replied the baron, surprised to hear his young pro- 
tege speak so much like a man of the world. 

True. I recollect now.'’'^ 

And now you will see her every day. She is going to 
live here, in the rooms next to yours. 

So much the better!^^ cried the child. I shall not 

be bothered with that wrinkled old woman. May I kiss 
you, mademoiselle?^^ 

Eose, deeply touched, as well as charmed, took him in 
her arms and kissed him on the forehead, saying gently: 

I will do my best to fill your mother^s place. 

My mother! You don^t look a bit like her. She had 
a stern face; and your eyes are so kind and gentle! I am 
sure you will not scold me all the time as she did. And 
you will love me, wonT you?^^ 

Oh, yes, I shall love you with all my heart, replied 
the girl, warmly. Why shouldnH I? I, too, am alone 
in the world. I have no mother, and my poor father is 
dying."" 

'' But you are not without friends,"" said Meriadec con- 
solingly. 

Besides, your father may recover,"" added the surgeon. 


86 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


But to return to the subject. Master Sacha consents to 
aid us. That is one great advantage; but we must decide 
how we are to proceed. 

First of alb we must find the house on the Eue de 
Marbeuf/^ replied Fabreguette^ clinging tenaciously to his 
plan. I might go there this very day with the little fel- 
low. 

I wouldnT go with you/^ replied Sacha, stoutly. 

Why not, young man?^^ 

Fie is quite right to refuse; for he would incur great 
danger by accompanying you,^^ interposed Daubrac. The 
man knows you by sight, as you ran after him on leaving 
the morgue. 

He knows me, too,^^ said Meriadec. 

It would seem that I am the only person here who- 
could safely fulfill the mission,^ ^ said Eose, timidly. 

‘‘You, mademoiselle exclaimed Meriadec. “You 
forget that there is danger attending it. That man is^ 
capable of anything; and if he should discover that you 
are in pursuit of him — 

“ He would not suspect a woman; while Monsieur Dau- 
brac would imperil his life.^"^ 

“ My life is at your service, mademoiselle,^^ said the sur- 
geon, gayly; “but you need have no fears. I am big 
enough to defend myself; and no accident will befall me. 
Our young friend will not accept Fabreguette^s company, 
but I am sure he will consent to go with me.^^ 

‘‘ Yes, if she will come with us,""^ replied Sacha, clinging 
even more closely to Eose. 

“ Pardon me, gentlemen, interrupted Saint-Briac,. 
“ but it seems to me that you do not exactly understand 
the situation; and you must permit me to remind you that 
the first thing to be done is to satisfy ourselves that the- 
Spaniard of whom I have spoken and the man you are seek- 
ing are one and the same person. Hence it is necessary 
that the child should see this Spaniard, and the Eue de 
Marbeuf is not the place for that.^^ 

“Very true,^^ said Meriadec, approvingly. “He does 
not reside there, and the house in which Sacha slept was 
doubtless rented for only one night. 

“ Monsieur de Pancorbo is staying at the Continental 
Hotel. He goes to the club every afternoon about five 
oYlock, and leaves it just before midnight. Nothing could. 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


87 


l)e easier than to wait for him at the door, and see him as 
he passes out; but we must take great care to prevent his 
father from catching a glimpse of him.^^ 

‘ ^ It would be a good way to jDlace the little chaj) in a 
carriage in front of the club-house, but on the other side of 
the street/'’ said Fabreguette. Mademoiselle Rose might 
go with 'him, as he does not seem inclined to move a step 
without her. Then, if Sacha recognizes him, we will go 
in a body to the judge of instruction and make our joint 
accusation. Paul Constantinowitch will be immediately ar- 
rested; and as the scoundrel will have no one but ourselves 
to deal with, he will not think of revenging himself upon 
Monsieur de Saint-Briac and his lady friend.'’^ 

The cajDtain shook his head. He was less sanguine than 
Fabreguette, but he had gone too far to draw back. 

1 have only one request to make, gentlemen,'’^ he said 
to them, that is, not to denounce him until you have 
seen me again. If you deliver him up to justice, there are 
•certain precautions that I shall have to take."’'’ 

“ Then there is nothing to prevent us from trying the 
experiment to-night, exclaimed Fabreguette. 

I have no objections,'’^ replied Saint-Briac, ‘^but I 
think it would be well for mademoiselle to bring Sacha 
back to the house immediately; and I would prefer that 
none of you should call on me. , It will be much better for 
Monsieur Meriadec to communicate with me in writing. 
And now, gentlemen, there is nothing left for me to do but 
to take leave of you. I know I can count upon your fideli- 
ty; and I beg you to rest assured of my sincere gratitude.'’^ 
Three hands were extended to jDress his, and the grasjD 
was cordiality itself in every instance. Meriadec escorted 
him as far as the court-yard; and the captain went away 
well pleased to have found brave hearts that throbbed in 
unison with his, and allies upon whose devotion he could 
depend. But all this did not prevent him from being 
haunted by a vague uneasiness in regard to the possible 
consequences of the disclosures he had just made;- and this 
anxiety engrossed him to such a degree, that he failed to 
notice a man who was sitting upon the opposite curb-stone, 
and who seemed to be intently watching the door of the 
baron^s house. 


88 


THE Ai^GEL OE THE BELLS. 


CHAPTEE V. 

Aetek tlie captain^ s departure, the council of war was 
broken up, as if by common consent. The friends had but 
little more to say to one another, as they had already adopt- 
ed the plan of campaign proposed by their new ally. It 
was decided that Eose Verdiere and Sacha should go to the^ 
club-house a little before five o^ clock to watch for the 
arrival of M. de Pancorbo, or rather, Paul Constantino- 
witch; and the necessary arrangements having been made^ 
Datibrac departed in company with Fabreguette. 

The former was still a little in doubt as to the character 
of this singular artist, whom he knew so slightly; and he 
was inclined to think that Meriadec had been a little rash, 
in admitting him into his confidence; but it was too late to 
prevent that now, so Uaubrac mentally resolved to studj 
their new acquaintance and ascertain what kind of a per- 
son he really was. 

‘‘lam going to get some breakfast now,^^ he remarked. 
“ And you?^^ 

“I wish I could do the same,^^ replied the eccentric 
artist. 

“ What prevents you?^^ 

“ Empty pockets,^'’ replied Fabreguette. 

“You doiiT find painting very profitable, then?^^ 

“ I have several orders, but— 

“ But what?^^ 

“ I have no money to purchase colors. 

“A)h, well, you neednT worry about your breakfast to- 
day,^ ^ replied the surgeon, smiling in a friendly fashion. 

“You invite me, then?^^ cried Fabreguette. 

“We are partners now, you know. The very least I can 
do. is to save you from starvation; and I can assure you 
that you will always find a cordial welcome awaiting you at 
Meriadec^ s table. He did not invite us to stay this morn- 
ing, because he had two guests already, and he had ordered 
breakfast only for three; but fortunately I am on hand, 
and we can proceed to enjoy ourselves. 

“You refuse yourself nothing, evidently. I — when I 
am in luck — eat at a restaurant where I can get soup and 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS* 


89 


iB, chop for eight sous; but as you seem to have more money 
that you know what to do with^ I will accept your invita- 
tion with pleasure/^ 

To sajthat I have more money than I know what to 
do with is not stating the case exactly. I am not rolling in 
gold. My mother gives me an allowance of one hundred 
and fifty francs a month, and, when I am on duty, the hos- 
pital board furnishes me with plain but nourishing food; 
but I can afford to give myself a treat occasionally; and I 
know a place on the Boulevard Saint-Michel where we can 
get a very good breakfast without being ruined. 

At the corner of the Eue des Ecoles? I have never 
dared to enter it. It is too high-toned for me.^^ 

DidnT I tell you that Vd foot the hill?^^ 

Then I will accept your invitation on condition that 
you will be my guest at some future day,^^ replied the ar- 
tist, assuming a dignified air that amused Daubrac pro- 
digiously. 

Fabreguette^s replies amused him, and he thought all the 
better of his new acquaintance for not attempting to hide 
his poverty. 

On reaching the restaurant before mentioned, they en- 
tered it without glancing behind them, and consequently 
without perceiving a man whom they had failed to notice 
in the Rue Cassette, but who had been followiiig them 
closely for twenty minutes. 

They seated themselves at a table at the lower end of the 
restaurant, which was now well nigh deserted, for it was 
nearly one o^ clock, and the students that usually frequent- 
ed the place were now crowding the tables of the neighbor- 
ing beer shops. A trim little waitress came running up to 
take their order. Daubrac did things handsomely, there 
was no question about it. He ordered two bottles of wine 
of superior quality, and three expensive dishes: an omelette 
mix rognons, filet des hmiify with new potatoes, and some 
French peas. A longtime had elapsed since the artist had 
onjoyed such a banquet, and he protested loudly against 
the extravagance of the menu, but his companion reassured 
him. 

I have just received my last quarterns salary,^ ^ he said, 
gayly, and I am delighted to squander it with you.*^ 

You are fortunate,'’^ sighed Fabreguette. One 
.month is exactly like another with me.^^ 


THE ANGEL OF THE BELLS. 


There will be a change for the better soon^, my dear 
fellow. I will secure you some commissions, never fear 
I donT go in fashionable society much, but I have some 
Wealthy acquaintances.'’^ 

Look; here comes a neighbor,^^ exclaimed Fabreguette^, 
under his breath. 

A man had just entered the room, and, after hesitating 
between several vacant tables, he chose one next to that at 
which the two young men were seated. 

TJie devil muttered Daubrac. He will be very 
much in our way, for we want to talk over our great 
scheme. Suppose we change our seats 

The new-comer was already giving his order to the wait- 
ress, but he used signs exclusively in making known his 
wants. He pointed to a dish upon the bill of fare she 
offered him, and when she asked him if he would take wine„ 
he replied: 

I donT understand you. Speak louder; I am deaf.^^ 

He Wis a white-bearded man, bowed with age, and poorly 
dressed. With his vizored cap and large blue spectacles,, 
he looked very much like a superannuated clerk who had 
been retired on a pension on account of his infirmities. 
The pert little waitress seemed to be in no haste to servH 
him, and evinced a strong inclination to make fun of him, 
as she indulged in several little grimaces behind his back. 

I asked you if you wanted some wine?^'’ she cried,, 
tartly. 

Some bread?'’^ repeated the man. Yes, two sous^ 
worth; and see that there is some strength in your boidl- 
Ion, For dessert I will take three sous^ worth of cheese. 
Make haste, my girl, I am in a hurry. 

I shahiT break my yeck for you, you old owl, I can 
tell you that.^^ 

This impatient response made Fabreguette laugh; but 
the man did not so much as wink, probably because he did 
not hear it. 

He^s as deaf as a post,^^ said the artist aloud, scrutin- 
izing the new-comer out of the corner of his eye. 

Their neighbor drew a penny paper from, his pocket and 
began to peruse it without paying the slightest attention to 
the young men. 

I would like to know positively,'’^ muttered Daubrac,. 
whose suspicions had evidently been aroused. 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


91 


Fabreguette replied with a gesture that said as plainly as 
;any words, AVe^ll soon find out. Fm going to try him. 
Then, without raising his voice, but articulating every 
word distinctly, he added : 

So you think that old man is a detective 
As he spoke he subjected the new-comer^’s face to the 
-closest scrutiny, but it remained as expressionless as stone. 
The waitress brought him what he had ordered, and he 
began breaking his bread into his houillon without even 
lifting his eyes from his paper. 

I am satisfied iiow,^^ remarked the artist. We can 
talk over our affairs with as much freedom as if we were in 
tiie middle of the Ohamp-de-Mars.^'’ 

Let us begin by discussing our omelette, said Dau- 
brac, who still had his doubts. 

It is delicious!^'’ exclaimed Fabreguette. One never 
finds anything like this at Mother Cordapuis^s; but I con- 
tent myself with her cooking, because she will trust me for 
as many as three meals in succession. But I exhausted 
her patience yesterday, and if you had not invited me to 
breakfast Avith you, I should have had to go without, to- 
day. My gratitude makes me your devoted servant in any 
and all things. 

It is my friend Meriadec whom 3^ou must thank, and 
to whom you must yield obedience. He is the chief of our 
league, and I am only a subordinate. I must confess, how- 
ever, that I do not very clearly understand why he does not 
leave the task of hunting this criminal to the judge of in- 
struction. 

It is because he fears to get the captain into trouble, 
probably.^-’ 

The captain! There is another man who doesnT seem 
to know what he wants. If I were in his place, I would 
not call in help to rid me of an enemy. I would go to 
work myself. 

He is afraid, o^ his sweetheart^ s account."’^ 

So he wants us to draw his chestnuts out of the fire for 
him. I have no objections, so far as I myself am con- 
cerned, but our plan does not seem very practicable. When 
the young Muscovite recognizes his mothers murderer in 
the person of this pretended Spaniard, we shall not be 
much better off. The testimony of a lad of nine years will 
not be sufficient to induce the authorities to issue a warrant 


92 ' THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 

for the arrest of a man of wealth and position; and^ even if 
it should, we have no evidence against him/^ 

And consequently, whatever Monsieur Meriadec may 
say, I am going to explore the Kue de Marheuf ; and I have 
an idea tliat I shall obtain some valuable information 
there. 

Not so loud,^^ Avhispered Daubrac, eying his neighboiv 
though he seemed completely absorbed in gulping down his 
soup. 

‘‘ Oh, there is no danger of his overhearing us,^^ said 
Fabreguette, shrugging his shoulders. But to return to 
our project, I know the locality we are speaking of per- 
fectly. I resided there once, while in the employ of a car- 
riage-builder, who hired me to paint armorial designs on his 
vehicles, and I feel satisfied that I can find the house where 
Sacha slept without the slightest difficulty. I would even 
be willing to bet you something handsome that I will enter 
it.^^ 

By the way, speaking of Sacha, what do 3^011 think of 
the lad who has won our good Meriadec^ s heart so com- 
pletely?^'’ 

I think he is a very bright boy for his age.'’^ 

So do I; but I can not help doubting the sincerity of 
this precocious gamin 

Here is a little more wine that ought not to be slight- 
ed,^'’ continued Fabreguette, emptying his glass at a. 
draught. It puts new life into a man; and I feel quite 
competent to perform alone the task we three are about ta 
undertake. Where are you going when you leave here?^^ 

^ ^ To the hospital. I must be there to. make the next 
round of visits; besides, I want to see old Verdiere, and 
ascertain if there is any hope for him. I am afraid not."’'’ 

l am going straight to the Eue de Marbeuf. '’■’ 

60 ahead, my dear fellow, but be prudent. A single 
mistake would spoil everything.'’'’ 

DonT be afraid. ITl keep my eyes open. Ah, the 
old man is getting up to go. His breakfast has not cost 
him much. Didn'’t I tell you that he wasn'’t troubling 
himself about us?'’'’ he continued. If he were a spy, he 
would have remained to shadow us. Besides, he is as deaf 
as a post, and hasn'’t heard a word of our conversation. To 
your very good health, my dear fellow!^'’ 


THE Ai^-GEL OE THE BELLS. 


95 


Kerens to yours^ and good luck to you!^^ replied Dau- 
"brac^ who did not share all his friend^ s illusions^ however. 

The meal ended without any further incident worthy of 
note. Daubrac paid the bill, and Fabreguette, on leaving 
the restaurant, offered to accompany the young surgeon ta 
the hospital, but the offer was declined. He was in a huny 
to reach home, and he had nothing more of importance to> 
say to the Bohemian, whom he had had plenty of time to 
study. He did not like the idea of leaving him absolutelj 
penniless, however, so he offered him in the form of a loan^, 
a five franc piece, which was accepted without any cere- 
mony. 

Fabreguette soon reached the Place de la Concorde, and 
began to ascend the main avenue of the Champs Elysees. 
At the corner of the Eue de Marbeuf, he threw away hisv 
nearly consumed cigar, substituting his pipe, in order to 
make himself look as much as possible like a house-painter' 
in search of a job. 

The carriage-making establishment in which he had once 
been emjoloyed was near the corner of the street, and in 
the door- way he perceived a journeyman with whom he was- 
acquainted. The moment had come for the exercise of 
the diplomatic talent which Fabreguette possessed in a 
marked degree, and which did not fail him now. He ac- 
costed the man jiolitely, even humbly, and inquired if he 
had any work for him. The reply was in the negative. 
Our friend had been employed at a busy time, but the 
establishment had its own corps of painters, and employed, 
outsiders only occasionally. Fabreguette expressed his 
profound regret, and proceeded to explain that as his noble 
art seemed to be under a cloud, he found himself reduced 
to painting signs and ceilings. 

I donT mind work,^'’ said he, and am ready to do 
anything to earn an honest living. You doiiT happen to 
know any one in this neighborhood who would like to have 
his portrait done in oils or in crayon? I will guarantee a 
good likeness.'’^ 

Yo; they prefer photograjfiis.'’^ 

Oh, these photographers!^^ exclaimed Fabreguette, lift- 
ing his hands despairingly to heaven. They take the 
bread out of the very mouths of us artists!^'’ 

Wait a moment, replied the worthy journeyman.. 

You said that you paint walls, too, I believe. 


94 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


Yes^ and I haven^t my equal in that line. Last year I 
irescoed the ceiling of a billiard-room at Belleville, and 
people from Pantin, Aubervilliers and Bondy flocked to see 
it.^" 

You won^t have such a chance to display your talent in 
this case, but near the end of the street, there is a big bar- 
rack that has stood vacant for ten years. The owner has 
at last succeeded in leasing it to a man who intends to live 
in it, I hear. He must be an idiot, for the house stands in 
.-such a deep hollow that one might as well live in a cave. 
That is his business, however. He has already sent some 
iuruiture there and I hear he is going to have tlie whole 
house done up before he moves in. He may want to em- 
ploy a painter or decorator. Why not go and see? A 
man-servant sleeps there at night, and he must be there 
now, as I saw him pass only a few minutes ago.'^^ 

ITl take your advice, and go at once. Thanks, old 
fellow! You'll take a drink with me, when I come back, 
I am sure, if I get the job.'’^ 

I sha^nT refuse. The house is on the left hand side, 
just below where the street makes a turn. There is a big 
knocker on the door instead of a bell.^^ 

HonT be afraid. I shall And it,"’"’ replied Fabreguette, 
immediately beginning to descend the steep hill of the Eue 
de Marbeuf. 

At the foot of this hill the street made a turn, and when 
Fabreguette came to this turn, he perceived only about 
twenty yards from him the building in question, which 
was as massively built as a fortress. Every shutter w^as 
closed, and there was nothing to indicate that the house 
was inhabited. 

Ah, here it is!^^ muttered the artist. Well, it wears 
a. mysterious air that increases my desire to enter it/’ 

And without wasting any more time in deliberation, 
Eabreguette crossed the street, and seizing the knocker, 
began to ply it vigorously. But there was no response to 
this resounding summons, and Fabreguette knocked again, 
and still more loudly, but with no better success. 

A slight sound made him raise his head. A shutter in 
the second story had just been partially opened, and after 
an instanPs hesitation, a voice cried: 

Wait, I’ll be down in a moment.” 

A moment afterward Fabreguette heard a heavy step 


THE A^n'GEL of the BELLS. 


95 


slowly approaching^ then the key grated in the lock, and a 
strange figure appeared in the door- way; the smoothly 
shaven face of a tall, thin old man, as straight as a poplar, 
dressed in black from head to foot, and wearing a white 
cravat; in short, the very personification of a model valet 
de cliambre. 

What do you want?^^ inquired this highly respectable 
personage, maintaining his distrustful attitude and man- 
ner. 

Excuse me for disturbing you,^^ replied Fabreguette,. 
giving a military salute, but I am a house-painter and 
decorator, and a friend, who lives in the. neighborhood, tells^ 
me that you want some work done in that line.^^ 

That depends. Are you capable of painting four large 
panels in the dining-room?^^ 

I should say so. In fact, that is my specialty, and I 
know exactly what you want. 

You seem to understand your business,^^ interrupted 
the man in black, but I don^t know about your prices. 
Should they prove satisfactory we might strike a bargain; 
but I can settle upon nothing without consulting my mas- 
ter, and I warn you that he will probably want to see what 
you can do before he employs you, or, in other words, to 
take you on trial. 

That suits me, but before telling you the cost of the^ 
work, I must see how much there is to do; for, as you can 
very readily understand, panels, fifteen feet by ten, will 
cost much more than smaller ones.'*’ 

Of course, replied the valet, smiling. Well, I will 
show you the room, and you can take your measurements 
and make an estimate, which I will show to the marquis 
to-morrow.'’^ 

Then the gentleman is not here?^^ 

Yo, the house is not yet completely furnished, and he 
will not occupy it until it is all ready for his reception. 
But it is not necessary for you to see him. I act as hie 
steward, and he has given me carte blanche in everything 
connected with the interior of the house. 

As he spoke, the major domo opened the door a little 
wider, and the artist saw that his face was exceedingly 
repulsive. 

Come in, if you want to look at the dining-room,^^ he. 
said, rather crossly. I have ]io time to waste. 


S6 . THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 

Pabregiiette, anxious to conclude the adventure which 
had begun so auspiciously, stepped' quickly over the thres- 
hold. The steward allowed him to pass, then closed the 
double doors and bolted them securely. 

You seem to be afraid I shall run away,^^ remarked 
Fabreguette, with a forced laugh, and a sudden sinking of 
iieart. 

It is not that, but I doiiT want to be bothered, and 
you can have no idea how troublesome the neighbors are. 
I donT want them coming in without my permission, like 
two boys I found playing marbles in the vestibule, the other 
day, when I had forgotten to close and lock the outer 
door.'’^ 

It was quite dark in the hall, but at the further end of it, 
Fabreguette managed to discern a staircase that w^as proba- 
bly lighted from above. 

I will go on ahead, and you can follow me,^^ remarked 
the steward. 

Fabreguette did so, and perceived that the stairway was 
surmounted by a skylight which w^as at least fifty feet above 
the ground floor. This arrangement, so unusual in a priv- 
ate house, reminded Fabreguette strongly of the stairway 
in the north tow^er, and it occurred to him that this house 
was very like a rat-trap. It had been an easy matter to 
enter it, but he could not leave it without the permission 
of its keeper, who had the appearance of being much more 
Tigilant and less obliging than the Angel of the Bells. 

But the artist of the Eue de la Huchette had too much 
vanity to admit, even to himself, that he had committed an 
imprudent act; on the contrary, he was still congratulating 
himself upon his victory over the prudence of this Cerberus 
in livery. 

The man in black paused upon the first landing, wdiich 
was even more dimly lighted than the staircase, and open- 
ing a door, stejDped aside to let Fabreguette pass. In the 
middle of the room into which he was thus ushered, stood 
n table upon which two candles were burning in silver can- 
dlesticks. But for the light thus furnished, the darkness 
would have been complete, for all the shutters were tightly 
closed, and the artist could not refrain from saying to his 
_guide : 

Does the sunlight hurt your eyes, that you thus turn 
day into night 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. . 97 

That is not the reason/ replied the steward, but I 
;ani only here for a few minutes to-day. My master sent 
me for ar-cigar-case that he left in his bedroom, and I did 
not think it worth while to open the window for a quarter 
of an ho lira’s stay. I am going, as soon as you have seen 
the room you want to see. You were very lucky to catch 
me here.^^ 

‘‘ Then you are not sta 5 dng in the house 

Not yet, but I visit it every day, and shall continue to 
do so while you are at work. You will probably have an 
opportunity to see Monsieur le Marquis, too, for he will 
doubtless be anxious to see your work for himself. He 
pays liberally, and he wants his work to be well done."^^ 

He is right. I should feel in the same way if I were 
rich.^^ 

There are very few who are as rich as Monsieur le Mar- 
quis. He hardly knows the extent of his wealth ; but he 
watches all his expenditures closely, and knows the value 
of things.'’^ 

‘‘ He must be a foreigner. Frenchmen throw their 
money away when they have any.^^ 

Monsieur le Marquis is a Spanish grandee. 

A Spanish grandee! 1 don^t know what»that is, but it 
certainly sounds well. Is he going to settle down per- 
manently in Paris 

Possibly. He travels a great deal, and when he finds 
a country that he likes, he settles himself as comfortably 
as if he intended to remain there ten years. Come, and I 
will shov you the dining-rooom.'’^ 

The steward, candle in hand, conducted the artist into a 
bedroom, or at least into a room where there was a bed 
and several chairs. This bed had been slept in, but no one 
had taken the trouble to make it 1123 again. The covers 
were disordered, and the pillows still bore the impress of 
the two heads that had rested there. 

Fabreguette, who noted all these details, instantly con- 
cluded that the unfortunate countess had S23ent the night 
in this room with her husband. 

It is certain that this fool does not regard me with 
suspicion,^'’ the artist said to himself, for if he mistrusted 
what brought me here, he would not show me all this. 

His astonishment was not at an end, however, for, after 
23assing through this chamber, he was ushered into a dress- 
4 


98 THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 

ing-room, where he saw a toilet table, and a small iron bed- 
stead. 

It was here that they put Sacha, thought Fabre- 
guette. 

Beyond this dressing-room was another apartment, con- 
taining six chairs and a round table, upon which the re- 
mains of a breakfast were still standing — conclusive proof 
that the house had been deserted by its master on the day 
following the arrival of the countess, and that the steward 
had not' set foot in it since, in spite of his assertions to the 
contrary. 

Your Spanish grandee takes his meals here, I judge,^^ 
remarked Fabreguette, carelessly. 

Monsieur le Marquis take his meals upon an oil-cloth,, 
and eat from stone china dishes! It is very evident that 
you do not know him. 'You certainly are not very shrewd, 
if you have not divined that these are the remains of my 
breakfast.'’'' 

You must have had company. I see there are three 
covers,"" interrupted Fabreguette, who could not hold his 
tongue. 

‘‘It strikes, me that you are very inquisitive. I don"t 
like workmen who meddle with matters that do not concern, 
them."" 

“ Excuse me, patron; I meant no harm, and I will not 
offend again, if you will show me the panels. I must 
measure them before setting my price."" 

" The steward made no reply; but opening a door, mo- 
tioned Fabreguette to pass in first. The latter did so, but 
he had hardly set foot in the room when the door slammed 
noisily behind him. 

He suddenly found himself in total darkness, but his first 
thought was that the door had shut of its own accord, and 
that the steward, whom he took for an arrogant fool, wasi 
not the cause of the accident. 

He called out lustily therefore, and pounded vigorously 
upon the heavy door, but when he listened breathlessly for 
some response, no sound greeted his ears. 

Not until then did our imprudent friend begin to recover 
from his illusions. The scales fell from his eyes, and he 
wondered how he could have fallen into such a palpable- 
trap, for che willingness with which the man had admitted 


THE AKGEL OE THE BELLS. 99 

liim into the house now seemed decidedly suspicious. In 
shorty he fully realized that he was a prisoner. 

He began to explore the apartment^ and his sgnse of 
touch soon satisfied him that the room was square^ and 
much too small for a dining-room. In fact^ it was more 
like a cell constructed to conceal a fugitive^, like those in 
many houses at the time of the revolution^ and our un- 
fortunate friend stood a very good chance of stifling for 
w^ant of aiiq if long confined there. 

This discovery very naturally excited great alarm in the 
poor artistes breast, and he had not recovered from it, when 
a sharp click like that of a lock attracted his attention; and 
almost instantly a gleam of light appeared. Dazzled at 
first by this abrupt transition from darkness to light, he 
rubbed his eyes, and then discerned through a square 023en- 
ing which had suddenly appeared in one of the walls, the 
wrinkled face of the old man who had breakfasted at the 
next table in the restaurant on the Boulevard Saint-Michel. 

This hideous old man was surveying him intently through 
his blue spectacles, and smiling sneeringly under his long 
gray beard. In hfs hand was the silver candlestick that had 
been in the steward's possession a few moments before, and 
he held it in such a way that the light fell full upon his 
wrinkled visage. 

Fabreguette thought he must be dreaming, and tried to 
arouse himself, but the sound of the old man^s voice soon 
dispelled this fancy. 

Ah, well, young man!^^ exclaimed this mocking voice, 
“ you tried to fool me, but the tables have been turned. 
This is what one gets by turning detective. The person 
5 with whom you had to deal was shrewder than you thought. 
^ Ah! ha! you begin to see that I know how to disguise my- 
self at will; but the knowledge comes a little too late. 
You should have recognized me when I opened the street 
door. You might have made your escape, then.'’^ 

So it was you — 

Who occupied the table next yours in the restaurant 
where you took breakfast. I followed you there from the 
Eue Casette,, and heard every word you said, for I am no 
more deaf than you are. When I learned where you pro- 
loosed to go as soon as the meal was concluded, I hastened 
out, took, a carriage, and arrived here fully three quarters 
of an hour in advance of you. This gave me plenty of 


i 100 THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 

time to turn myself into a valet de cliambre, and if you 
now see me again in the role of a poor old man^ it is only 
becau^ I want to show you what a fool you are. What! 
is it possible that you don^t enjoy the joke?^^ 

Fabreguette felt no desire to laugh. He felt a wild de- 
sire to spring at his tormentor^ s throat, but he could scarce- 
ly pass his hand through the tiny opening, and the 
scoundrel took good care to keep out of his reach. 

Yes, I have allowed myself to be entrapped, the pris- 
oner replied, in a voice choked with anger; and it is verj. 
evident that I can^t get out of this place unless you will let 
me out; but why don^t you tell me what you are going to 
do with me.^^ 

Well, you are in the trap, and I am going to leave you 
there. 

Until I perish of hunger 

Yes; and that will not be very long, unless you took 
the precaution to bring some provisions with you.-’^ 

What will you gain by my death 

In the first place, I shall have the pleasure of ridding^ 
myself of a spy. Besides, you belong to a band of estima- 
ble creatures that I propose to exterminate to the very last. 

. man, in order to punish them for presuming to meddle 
with our affairs. 

I don^t understand, murmured Fabreguette, who 
understood only too well, however. 

Don't play the fool. You know very well what I 
. mean. You and two or three other idiots have taken it 
into your heads to annoy a man who has never troubled 
you, for he was not even aware of your existence. You 
are' very kindly plotting to send him to the guillotine; and 
he has a perfect right to defend himself. You are not the 
^ originator of the plot, however, and you can get yourself 
out of the scrape if you choose. 

Are you trying to make a bargain with me?^^ 

I have no authority to do so; but I will perhaps assume 
' the responsibility of releasing you, if — 

If what?^'^ 

If you will assist me in getting hold of the child. 

‘‘ The child stammered Fabreguette, what child?'’^ 

DonT try that game again, exclaimed the frightful 
old man. Understand^ once for all, that I know every 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 101 

one of you^ and all your plans as well. To defeat them I 
must have the child. 

To kill him, doubtless. 

‘‘ What is that to you? He is not your child. Indeed, 
you scarcely know him. 

. But you forget that I am a prisoner.'’^ 

That does not prevent you from telling me the arrange- 
ment of the house where he is."’"' 

I am not familiar with the house. 

The house is composed of three separate suites of apart- ^ 
ments. You must know in which one^of the three the boy 
sleeps. 

And if I should tell you, you would go and take him 
away in the night, I suppose. 

Perhaps so; but I should prefer to employ less violent 
measures. You might, for example, write to Meriadec that 
you want him to come here with the child. 

Ho you think he would come?'’^ 

Yes, if you would write him that you had found the 
gentleman he is looking for, and that you would like the 
chdd to see him in order that he might identify him.'’^ 
Fabreguette grew cold to the very marrow of his bones. 
This scoundrel must be a veritable sorcerer to have thus 
divined the plans of Sacha^s defenders; and he was quite 
capable of profiting by this knowledge in setting a trap for 
the child and the young girl who was to accompany him. 
But the worthy fellow quickly recovered himself, and decid- 
ed that it would be better to conceal his indignation, and 
even pretend to enter into the views of the murderePs ac- 
comjDlice, in order to gain time. He did not yet despair of 
making his escape; and it was of the utmost importance 
that he should gain a knowledge of many things of which • 
he was now ignorant. | 

While he was engaged in these reflections, the scoundrel 
removed his wig, false beard and blue spectacles, and re- 
sumed the costume and manner of a valet. 

Ah, you can justly boast of a rare talent for disguising 
yourself exclaimed Fabreguette. 

And you will find me to be the possessor of many other 
talents if we become allies, sneered this strange person- 
age. In fact, there is nothing for you to do but place 
yourself on the strongest side. You have little or nothing 
to gain with your friends of the Rue Cassette, while if you 


102 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


Will serve us faithfully, your fortune is made. My master 
lias a long arm., and he rakes in gold by the shovelful. 

Your master? Say rather your friend. You can 
scarcely hope to make me believe that you are only a serv- 
ant.^" 

It matters little what I am. I am authorized to say 
what I do; and I advise you to accept the terms I offer. 
Indeed, it is your only chance of saving your life.'’^ 

I ask nothing better; but a letter from me would not 
produce the effect you anticipate. Meriadec has never seen 
: ).y handwriting. He would think the signature forged, 
r.id refuse to move an inch.^'’ 

That would depend entirely upon the manner in which 
you write. You can easily invent a story that will deceive 
the old simpleton. Make up some story to entice them 
here, one after another; and, when they are all in our 
power, we will not only restore you to liberty, but pay you 
Well.'’^ 

To promise is one thing and to keep one^s promise is 
another. What assurance have I that you will not put me 
out of the way, too?^^ 

My word ought to be sufficient; besides, if you were to 
refuse you will only perish the sooner. Between the cer- 
tainty of dying of starvation, and the hoj^e of escaping 
from this place there is certainly no room for hesitation. 
.Decide 

But you must give me time to invent some plan, for it 
will be no easy matter to entrap three men who are on their 
guard, and a girl who is no fool — ^for you want the girl, 
too, I suppose. 

^Ye want the child and every person who has seen him; 
and we shall get them, even though you refuse to aid us. 
But you will aid us, for you have too much shrewdness not 
to be able to devise a means to accomplish the desired end. 

I will give you forty-eight hours. Day after to-morrow 
afternoon I will come to learn the result of your medita- 
tions.^^ 

‘ ‘ And you propose to leave me here without a light and 
without food?^'’ 

You ought not to complain. You can reflect much 
better in the dark, as you will have nothing to distract your 
attention. On my next visit I will bring pen and ink. 
You can recite the letter to me, for you will have plenty of 


THE AE^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


103 


time to learn it by heart. If it proves satisfactory^ you can 
write it out forthwith^ and I will deliver it myself. Then, 
if Meriadec falls into the trap, you shall be free after you 
have given us a satisfactory guarantee, for you might take 
it into your head to betray me as soon as I set you at lib-^ 
erty.^^ 

What guarantee? I do not understand you.'’^ 

I shall make you sign a writing in which you admit 
that, of your own free will and for a stated compensation, 
you indicated the means of separating the child from his 
protector. The amount will be specified as ten thousand 
francs; and I will pay you this sum as soon as Meriadec 
and the child are in my custody. I have no intention of 
capturing all our enemies at once. The others will take 
their turn later. I am very reasonable, you see.'’^ 

This was too much. Fabreguette had managed to re- 
strain his wrath until now; but he could control it no 
longer, and shaking his fist at his jailer, he shouted: 

You vile wretch! how dare you ask me to barter the 
lives of a child and a brave man for a paltry ten thousand 
francs 

Make it twelve thousand then,^^ sneered his tormentor. 

Silence, scoundrel! If you offered me a million, I 
would not betray my friends. You can leave me here to 
die of hunger; but you and your vile friend will obtain no 
concessions of me. Nor will your pretended marquis es- 
cape justice. He will be denounced this evening and ar- 
rested to-morrow. 

Thanks for the information. I will go and warn the 
dear mal'quis.'^^ 

Fabreguette saw that he had been guilty of a great im- 
prudence; but his rage was now entirely beyond his con- 
trol, and he continued to hurl opprobrious epithets at his 
jailer, who had gradually approached the opening. 

^‘Avaunt, vile beast !^^ he fairly shrieked. I never 
want to see your J udas-like face again. 

And fairly wild with passion, he spat full in his tor- 
mentor^s face. 

Starve, then, you fool!^^ said the man in black, hastily 
closing and fastening the sliding window. 

Fabreguette now had nothing to look forward to but 
death — anckwliat a death! 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 


104 ' 


CHAPTER VL 

Meanwhile Rose Verdiere had employed her time to « 
much better advantage. One can accomplish a good deal 
in a day; and an afternoon had sufficed for the removal of 
her household goods and her installation in the rooms * 
which Meriadec had placed at her disposal. 

She had also found time to take Sacha to the club-house • 
in the Champs Elysees^ and to wait there with him in a 
carriage from five o^ clock to seven; but Paul Constantino- ^ 
witch had ]iot made his ap^Dearance; and on returning from 
this fruitless expedition, Sacha had announced his deter- . 
mination not to repeat it. 

On the following day Rose took him with her to the hos- 
pital, Avhither she went to visit her father, whom she found * 
in a very critical condition. He had partially recovered 
from the attack of apoplexy that had stricken him down; 
but his right side was still paralyzed, and he had not yet . 
regained his power, of speech. Daubrac, neveitheless, de- , 
dared that he might live some time, and did not altogether 
despair of his ultimate recovery. 

Sacha had behaved admirably during the visit; and Dau- 
brac, being very agreeably surprised, made much over the 
lad, who urged him to "^go back with them to breakfast, 
which invitation was promptly accepted by the young sur- 
geon, who Escorted Rose Verdiere back to the Rue Cassette, 
where the baron received them with open arms. 

Nothing was wanting to complete the enjoy meiH of the 
participants in this festive Tepast save the company of the 
jovial artist; but Fabreguette did not make his ajDjDearance, 
though he had promised to call every day at noon to hold a . 
conversation with his allies. Daubrac ought to have recol- ' 
lected that the artist was about starting for the Rue de 
Marbeuf when he saw him, last, and that some misfortune 
might have befallen him; but he now forgot this fact en- 
tirely, and even declared that he was going that evening to 
his garret on the Rue de la Huchette, where he was doubt- .. 
less sleeping away the day, instead of presenting liimseK at 
the baron^s house, according to promise. 

They also spoke of the captain, who had iffit promised 


THE AIS^GEL OF THE BELLS. 105 

to return^ but whom it was necessary to keep advised of the 
progress of the camjDaign. They had nothing new to tell 
him as yet; besides, he did not seem to want these gentle- 
men to come to his house; so any and all communications 
would have to be made in writing. 

Meriadec had not received the expected summons to a|)- 
pear before the magistrate, nor had Daubrac; so they rather 
rashly concluded that the investigation had been abandoned. 
The conference was broken up by the young girl, who said 
that she must go about three o^ clock to take home some 
work that she had barely time to finish. 

Will you have the goodness to show me how artificial 
flowers are made?^^ asked Daubrac. “ I liavenT the 
slightest idea.'’^ 

Very willingly,^ ^ replied Eose, if you will follow'^me 
to the apartment which Monsieur de Meriadec has allowed 
me to convert into a work-room. 

I am going, too,^^ exclaimed Sacha, and when I get 
tired of seeing you work I can look at the pictures in the 
big books in the library. The baron will explain them to 
me.^^ 

This arrangement suited Meriadec, who took great pleas- 
ure in Sacha^s society; and was eminently satisfactory to 
Daubrac and Eose Verdiere, who had many things to say 
to each other. 

The libi’ary, which was also used as a smoking-room by 
the baron, adjoined the work-room, and it was necessary 
to traverse that first. Sacha paused there on perceiving 
the books — immense folios, bound in crimson morocco — 

Don Quixote and Eabelais,^^ illustrated by Gustave 
Dore. 

Meriadec lifted the child, placed him upon a high otto- 
man, opened the' first volume, and began to show him the 
engravings depicting the adventures of his favorite hero, 
the last of the knights-errant. 

Daubrac followed the young girl into the work-room; 
but about three o^ clock he went away, and the young girl 
prepared to take her flowers to an establishment on the 
Eue de Eivoli. Both went out quietly, in order not to at- 
tract the attention of Sacha. 

Eose soon performed her errand, and having received her 
money, she started off thoughtfully toward her new home. 
She was thinking of her sick father, and of the void his 


106 THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. . 

death would make in her life. Engrossed by thoughts like 
these, she mechanically entered the square that surrounded 
the tower of Saiiit- Jacques, and seated herself in the shadow 
of the tower. 

It was a place of which she was very fond; and in pleas- 
ant weather she seldom failed to stop there for a few mo- 
Hients after leaving the store on the Kue de Eivoli. 

The square worn its usual aspect, though it was perhaps 
rather more lively than usual, on account of the superb 
Weather; and Eose seated herself near one of the buttresses 
of the tower, and again abandoned herself to her sorrowful 
reflections. 

A man soon passed without paying any attention to her 
- — a man she noticed particularly, because he was so unlike 
the majority of the visitors. 

This man was certainly a gentleman, and not a clerk or 
tradesman, like the others. 

He was tall and well formed, and dressed with tasteful 
elegance. His like was seldom seen in the square of the 
tower Saint- Jacques, and he had evidently come there to 
ineet some one who had not yet arrived, for he gazed per- 
sistently in the direction of the Place du Chatelet, and after 
standing for a few moments in the middle of the walk, 
took a seat in one of the corners of the buttress close to the 
young girl. They could not see each other, being separat- 
ed by the stone wall; hut she knew he was there, for she 
had heard the back of his chair graze the wall, and the 
gravel creak under his feet. 

Prom the place he had selected he could command a view 
of the whole square, and even one end of the Pont au 
Change, wEich connects the right hank of the Seine with 
the square. 

He lighted a cigar, the smoke of which would have re- 
vealed his presence to his neighbor had he desired to con- 
ceal himself, but he did not seem to trouble himself in the 
least about her, probably because he had not noticed she 
Was there. 

Eose would have found it very difficult to explain her in- 
terest in this stranger. She did not know him; and there 
Was nothing extraordinary about his appearance or man- 
ner; hut there are inexplicable impressions which amount 
to positive presentiments. 

She was about to rise and return to the Eue Cassette 


THE Ai^’GEL OE THE BELLS. 


107 


when she saw^ entering the square^ a man who seemed to 
exchange signals with her neighbor. The new-comer ad- 
vanced with a rapid treads, and apparently without even 
seeing her, and a fear of attracting his attention made her 
keep her seat. This man, too, was a stranger to her; and 
though he was much less distinguished in appearance than 
his friend, he was quite as fashionably dressed. 

The two gentlemen exchanged greetings, and then seated 
themselves, side by side, behind the buttress, so that Rose 
Verdiere could not help hearing their conversation, even if 
they talked in subdued tones. Anxious, now, to khow if 
there was any foundation for her suspicions, or if she had 
mistaken two honest gentleman for Paul ConstantinowitclTs 
accomplices, she remained. 

I have some good news for you,^^ said the new-comer. 

The letter reached its destination in safety. 

‘‘ Are you sure 

Perfectly sure. I handed it to the man on guard at the 
door of the magistrate's office, telling him it was of great 
importance, and presented him with a hundred-sou piece 
which he pocketed with great satisfaction. Our dear judge 
was engaged in hearing witnesses at the time, but the ex- 
amination was drawing to a close, and the letter must have 
been delivered ere this. 

Then the denouement is not far olf, and our dear cap- 
tain will soon find himself in a nice scrape.'’^ 

‘ ^ If the fool of a husband does not arrive too late. The 
lady was to visit her lover at three o^ clock, and it is after 
three now.^^ 

Rose, who had not lost a single word of this dialogue, 
was beginning to understand. 

Heaven must have inspired the Angel of the Bells with 
the idea of setting herself there. The words, examining " 
witnesses, had aroused her suspicions, but she did not 
fully comprehend the situation until the first-comer sneer- 
ingly remarked: Our dear captain will soon find himself 
in a nice scrape. 

He evidently referred to M. de Saint-Briac, and these 
wretches had just denounced to her husband the lady who . 
had made the ascent of the tower with him. The partial 
disclosures which he had made to his new friends of the Rue 
Casette left no possible doubt in the mind of Rose Verdiere, 


108 


THE A?^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


who had listened with the closest attention. She had even 
remembered his address. 

Peeling that she had no time to lose if she would prevent 
a double tragedy, Eose sprung up to hasten to the Avenue 
d^ An tin; but the next remark that she heard, deterred 
her. 

Between ourselves, my dear fellow, continued the 
last arrival, I think you are too sanguine. We are by 
no means sure that the husband will blow the captain'’s 
brains out. Magistrates are not in the habit of carrying 
revolvers in their pockets. If the case is not brought be- 
fore the Oourts, it will probably end in a duel in which all 
the chances will be in Saint-Briac^s favor. Should he sur- 
vive it, he will have no difficulty in discovering who de- 
nounced him, and we shall find him an implacable enemy. 
He has already formed an alliance, as you know, with that 
tall lunatic, who has taken Sacha under his protection, 
and so knows the whereabouts of the young rascal who 
nearly caused your arrest the other day at the morgue, and 
who will certainly identify you some day or other. Saint- 
Briac will only have to send him to watch for you at the 
door of your club, between the hours of four and five.J"^ 

I am not going there any more, and you know I have 
left the Continental. In less than a week from this time, , 
we shall have crossed the frontier, but I will not leave 
Prance until this man has received a lesson.'’^ 

I understand, but I think you should have begun by 
suppressing Sacha. The captain is not dangerous; it is 
the Eue Casette clique that is to be feared. You have put 
tlie cart before the horse, as the saying is, but fortunately 
I am on hand to repair your blunders. I have a little jfian 
that promises finely, and by the time you succeed in getting 
the captain in your power, that little serpent will be in our 
clutches, I promise you that. The dead alone tell no 
tales. So you had better wring his neck.'’^ 

That is exactly what I intend to do. When do you 
expect to get hold of him?^^ 

This evening. I have already captured one of our 
enemies, and I shall soon secure the others. But it is Sacha 
we want most, and I have invented a trap to catch him.'^^ 
Don^t talk so loud. We might be overheard. 

By whom? We are alone in our niche, and behind 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 109 

this wall there is no one' but a nurse girl and some children 
who are making an infernal racket. 

Still;, it is very imprudent to talk over secrets out-of- 
doors, and we had better take ourselves olf without delay. 
I know where we stand, and that is enough. There is 
nothing for me to do now, but await the effect of the bomb- 
shell which is about to explode on the Avenue d'’ An tin. As 
to that other matter, you can explain as you accompany me 
to my carriage, which is waiting for me in front of the 
Hotel de Yille.^^ 

‘ ^ As you please, but I must leave you there, for I am 
anxious to finish with the pretty orphan of the Eue Casette 
before night. 

Eose, crouching closely against the wall that screened her 
from view, heard the two scoundrels rise, and bowed her 
head upon her breast for fear that they would glance at her 
in passing; but they did not pay the slightest attention to 
her, and she saw them leave the square and walk down the 
Avenue Victoria. 

The first thing to be done now was to warn those who 
were threatened with approaching danger, and she resolved 
to do it even if she were obliged to incur great personal 
risk. But to whom should she hasten first? Sacha inter- 
ested her much more deeply than M. de Saint-Briac and a 
woman who was deceiving her husband. 

Eose, like all honest girls, was rather wanting in charity 
toward the erring of her own sex, and she felt no very great 
desire to save this lady from her peril. She did not even 
know her, and consequently owed her no assistance, and 
her first impulse was to leave her to the fate she doubtless 
deserved. 

But the captain remained to be considered, and the cap- 
tain was an ally, and a valuable ally; so Eose could not bear 
the idea of leaving him to be taken unawares by a furious 
enemy, when it was in her power to warn him and thus 
avert the catastrophe. 

There was nothing to deter her from giving this warning 
except the danger that threatened Sacha. The scoundrels 
certainly intended to make a desperate effort to secure 
possession of the child that they might kill him, and one of 
them had expressed a strong hope of succeeding that very 
"evening. This, doubtless, meant that he intended to wait 
until night, before making the attempt, for, however bold 


110 THE ANGEL OF THE BELLS. 

lie might be^, he would haidly try to force his way into the 
house on the Rue Casette in broad daylight. Meriadec was 
there to defend his home^ and he would guard the child so 
diligently that strategy would . prove as inelfectual as vio- 
lence There was no great haste so far as Sacha was con- 
cerned, consequently; but not a moment was to be lost if 
she wished to warn the captain. 

By taking a carriage, I can reach the Avenue d^Antin 
in twenty minutes,^'’ Rose said to herself. It will take 
me only a moment to explain the situation to Monsieur Saint- 
Briac, and the same carriage can take me back to the Rue 
Casette where I will relate my discovery to Monsieur de 
Meriadec, who will take the necessary measures to protect 
Sacha. In that case, my day will not have been wasted^ 
and Monsieur Daubrac will be well pleased with me."^^ 


CHAPTER VII. 

After leaving his new friends on the Rue Casette, 
Jacques de Saint-Briac returned home, and left* it again that 
day, only to go to the club at the time of M. de Pancorbo^s 
daily visit, and at the hour Rose was to be there in company 
with Sacha. 

He saw the carriage from which Rose and the child were 
watching, but he did not see the Spanish marquis, though 
he waited for him so long that he was obliged to dine at 
the club. 

His neighbors at table were persons with whom he was 
but slightly acquainted, and not being in very good humor 
himself, he opened his only to eat; but the hidalgo was 
the chief topic of conversation, and the general opinion ex- 
pressed in regard to that gentleman^ s character and ante- 
cedents was anything but flattering. 

One of the guests remarked that having gone to call on 
the marquis, at the Continental, he was told that the gen- 
tleman had left some hours before. Was this departure 
final? Such did not seem to be the general impression, 
for a fortunate player is not wont to suddenly disappear, 
but generally lingers to take advantage of his good luck. 
It is only the unfortunate who mysteriously disappear in 
order to avoid paying their debts. 

But the captain had his reasons for thinking that M. de 


THE AIS^GEL OF THE FELLS. 


Ill 


Pancorbo would not be seen at the baccarat-table again, 
and even that M. de Pancorbo was making arrangements to 
leave la belle France forever; nor was the idea of this hasty 
departure by any means unpleasing to the . ca]^ tain. 

Saint-Briac was not particularly anxious to punish the 
murderer of the Countess Xenia, nor even to avenge the 
undeserved arrest to which he, himself, had been subjected; 
but his one desire was to preserve the woman he loved from 
a terrible misfortune, and this many's departure would re- 
lieve him of a great anxiety. He already reproached him- 
self bitterly for having declared war against him, and re- 
gretted the alliance he had formed with Meriadec and 
Sacha^s other defenders. They ran no risk in opening 
hostilities, but the captain fully realized the imminence of 
his danger, and racked his brain to discover some way of 
securing an interview with Mme. de Malverne. 

Failing in this, he remained at the club and endeavored 
to divert his thoughts by taking part in an exciting game 
of cards, after which he returned home and went to bed in 
a still more wretched frame of mind. 

The night brings counsel,'’^ and Saint-Briac, awaken- 
ing in a more calm and reasonable mood, jiromptly decided 
that he would go and see Mme. de Malverne that very day. 
She received between the hours of five and six, and he 
might reasonably hope to find her alone if he went to the 
house at about half past four, and even if he should not be 
the first to arrive, he would certainly find an opportunity 
for a few moments'’ tete-a-tete. 

Suspense is the worst of all evils, and Jacques, somewhat 
comforted by the resolve he had just made, breakfasted 
with a very fair appetite, tie then returned home again, 
for he needed an hour or two of solitude in which to pre- 
pare for the interview which was to sever his connection 
with Odette forever. 

Throwing himself into a large arm-chair, he reviewed the 
favorable and unfavorable chances that remained for him. 
He had heard nothing from his allies, since his visit to the 
Eue Casette, so ever^dhing promised well in that direction, 
and it was not improbable that the dangerous Spaniard 
had left France, and that all would yet go well. 

Slightly reassured by this review of the condition of 
affairs, the thought of glancing over the daily papers that 
were lying on the table near by, occun^ed to Inm, He un- 


112 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


folded one, and glanced at the personals/^ rather from 
force of habit than anything else, for he had no expectation 
of finding a communication addressed to him. 

He was mistaken, for at the head of the second column 
of notices he saw in capitals the word, ODE. He gave a 
violent start, so great was his surprise, for it was the be- 
ginning of the name Odette, and the sign agreed upon be- 
tween Mme. de Malverne and himself should they find it 
necessary to communicate with each other in this way. 
'When the message was addressed to him, the three capital 
letters employed formed theA\^ord: CAR, an abbreviation 
for captain. 

But Saint-Briac had inserted no such notice the evening 
before, so he gazed in astonishment at the three letters. 
He cbpld scarcely believe his eyes; and he asked himself in 
alarm who could have resorted to this means to attract 
Mme. de Malverne^ s attention. 

What if it should be Pancorbo who has resorted to this 
ruse to ruin her^^i the captain said to himself, in terror. 

Below this heading he saw the following lines: 

I shall extect to see you to-morrow, Thursday, at three o’clock. 

Thursday, that is to-day exclaimed the captain. 

Some one has notified Odette that I wish to see her here. 
It is a trap some one has set for her, and the author of this 
atrocious falsehood must have informed Hugh. He hopes 
that she will come, and that her husband, warned by an 
anonymous letter, will find her here. I must save her. I 
will hasten to her house at once. But it is too late!^^ he 
murmured, striking the table with his clinched fist. If 
she has seen this abominable notice she is already on her 
way here. If I attempt to go to her, we shall perhaps miss 
each other on the way, and if I should meet her, Malverne 
might see us together, and he would regard that as suffi- 
cient proof of the justice of his suspicions. It will be bet,, 
ter for me to wait for her here. Fortunately I am alone- 
and my servants will not return for sometime. When she 
comes, I will open the door myself. Ah! I can no longer 
doubt that this is the work of the scoundrel who killed the 
countess, but how has he managed to discover that we occa- 
sionally correspond through the papers 

He tried hard to devise some means of averting the dan- 
ger. To open the door himself would do very well, but it 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 113 ^ 

was important to know for whom lie was opening it^ as lie 
ran a great risk of admitting monsieur instead of madame. 

If she only arrives firsts, all will be well. When she is 
once here, I care not how soon Hugh presents himself, for 
while I am talking with him, Odette can open a window 
and jnmp down into the court-yard. It is not much of a 
leap as the window is only a few feet from the ground, and 
the turf extends up to the house wall. No one will see her, 
for the servants are out, and the other tenants have gone 
to the country. After she has made her escape by way of 
the porte cochere, I will take particular pains to show Hugh, 
through my rooms, and seeing that his wife is not here, it 
would not surprise me if he asked my pardon for his un- 
just suspicions. If he does, I shall take advantage of the 
opportunity to ask him to show me the anonymous letter 
he must have received. If it is in the same handwriting 
as the letter addressed to me — and I am sure it is — I shall 
show Monsieur de Pancorbo no further mercy, but de- 
nounce him without delay, and persuade Hugh to summon 
Meriadec and his friends for examination. They will bring 
Sacha with them, and tell Hugh the child^s history. 

While Saint-Briac was still standing at the window look- 
ing out upon the Avenue d^Antin, and congratulating him- 
self upon the invention of these effectual means of averting 
the threatened danger, he saw Mme. de Malverne appear at 
the end of the avenue. 

She was very plainly dressed in black, and wore a veil,, 
but he recognized her, even at that distance, by her figure 
and gait. 

It is she,^"^ he muttered. “ She arrives in advance of 
Malverne. We are saved, if we exercise a little prudence.'’^ I 

After casting a hasty glance up and down the avenue, he ;; 
left the window and hurried to the door, so as to be ready " 
to open it the instant Odette rang. He did not have to 
wait long, however, and recognizing her step, he opened 
the door before she had time to place her hand upon the 
bell knob. She was almost out of breath after her rapid 
Avalk, and on entering the parlor into which Jacques hastily 
ushered her, she sunk into an arm-chair, and exclaimed : 

‘ ^ I was so frightened ! I could not help thinking that 
some one was following me, and instead of coming straight 
here I went round by the Place de la Concorde, so you must 


lU 


THE AKCtEL of the BELLS. 

iorgiye me for being late. It was not my fault, I assure 
you. 

It is not my fault, I assure you,/^ slie continued. 

I have been longing to come ever since this morning. I 
was so pleased when I saw in the personals the notice be- 
ginning with the first letters of my name.''^ 

And you thought that message came from me?^’ 

How could I have thought otherwise? And why do 
you ask me such a question 

Because it was a trap that some one has set for us. 
Nothing could have induced me to make such a request 
^fter what occurred the other day. 

“ But who can have done it?^'’ exclaimed Mme. de Mal- 
verne, springing uj). 

A wretch who has discovered our secret, and who wishes 
to be revenged on me."^^ 

But in what way?^^ 

“ By writing to your husband that if he will come here 
between three and four o^ clock, he will find you.^^ 

What makes you think so?^^ 

My reason. The false advertisement can have been 
inserted with no other object than to injure us, and this 
infernal scheme would prove ineffectual if its author had 
not denounced you to your husband at the same time that 
he lured you here by a false personal.'’^ 

You knew all this, and 3^et did not warn me?'’^ 

I first opened the j)aper only a few moments ago; and 
it was then too late to warn you. But I have invented a 
plan to save you. I watched your approach from the win- 
dow, and satisfied myfelf that your husband was not in 
Bight. He may arrive at any moment, and if he does, I 
will detain him while you flee through the court-j^ard.^^ 

^^Fiee!’^ repeated Odette, .frowning. 

Yes, the window is only a couple of feet from the 
ground; and I can see no other way. If you should leave 
the house now by the door through which you entered it, 
you might meet your husband, who is likely to come at any 
moment. 

And what if I should insist upon remaining ?^^ 

You certainly can not think of such a thing I'’ ^ 

And why not? You are a family friend. I certainly 
have a right to call on my husband^ s most intimate friend 
if I choose. 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


1L5 


You forget the new position in which a strange fatality 
has placed us. You forget that I was arrested in conse- 
quence of our unfortunate visit to Notre Dame. Malverno 
set me at liberty because I swore to him that I ascended 
the tower with a lady whose name I refused to disclose with 
a persistence which must have appeared very strange to 
him. An anonymous letter has just informed him that you 
were the lady in question. Can you doubt that his suspi- 
cions will be aroused^ especially when this accusation fully 
explains my obstinate refusal to make him my confidant, 
though by so doing I could have cleared myself of the 
charge of murder which had been made against me?'’^ 

Mme. de Malverne had turned very pale, and her feat- 
ures worked convulsively; but there were no tears in the 
glittering eyes she riveted upon the captain^ s face. 

Yes. I see that I am lost/^ she cried, after a mo- 
ments silence. Hugh would perhaps forgive me; but the 
world will show me no mercy. Ah, w^cll, so much the bet- 
ter! I am tired of this life of deception, tired of lying, 
tired of playing the devoted wife to a man I do not love. I 
am weary of this life of hypocrisy, and I will endure it no 
longer.'’^ 

Odette exclaimed Saint-Briac, alarmed by this vio- 
lent outburst. 

Yes,^^ she exclaimed passionately, I am resolved to 
be free again, to leave France, where I have suffered so 
much. We will leave France together, you and I, never to 
return. I am ready. When shall we start 

The ca^Dtain, astonished by this unexpected outburst, 
knew not what to reply. 

“ You are silent! You hesitate! You, who have so 
often cursed the marriage to which I consented only because 
you* had gone away, and ! was told I should never see you 
again. 

I still curse it,, but — 

But you are too cowardly to sacrifice your peace of 
mind for my sake, or to brave the opinion of the world. 
Ah, well, then I will depart alone, as you had rather break 
my heait than forget your obligations to a friend.'’^ 

Saint-Briac, in his despair, was perhaps about to reply: 
I consent. We will go,^^ when a violent peal of the bell 
resounded through the room. 

It is your husband,^^ he whispered. Conceal your- 


116 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


sell in the next room; and when you hear his voice make 
your escape in the way I indicated.'’^ 

No/^ replied Odette, hrjnly. I shall remain unless 
you will promise to depart with me.^^ 

The bell rang again even more violently than before. 

Would you risk your life?^^ cried the captain in dire 
dismay. 

I long to die; and I hope that he will kill me/^ replied 
Mme. de Malverne, doggedly. 

Die! when you spoke just now of living for me.'’^ 

That is my fondest wish. Swear to me that we shall 
leave France together, and I will obey you.'’^ 

The captain, driven to desperation, gave the required 
promise, and Odette allowed him to push her into the next 
room, just as the bell rung violently for the third time. 

If I delay any longer he may burst ojDcn the door,^^ 
muttered the captain, preparing to face the enemy. 

But it was not Malverne; and Saint-Briac recoiled in sur- 
prise on finding himself face to face with a lady dressed in 
black, and as closely veiled as Odette. 

‘‘ Pardon me, madame,^^ he stammered, without evincing 
any disposition to admit his unknown visitor, but you 
are probably mistaken in the house. 

Iso, I am not mistaken, was the reply. It is you 
that I came to see, as you will not doubt when you have 
>seen my face.'^^ 

She lifted her veil as she spoke. 

You here, mademoiselle!^^ exclaimed the captain. 

Yes; and I must speak to you at once.^^ 

Pray excuse me; but I can not admit you just now. I 
am not alone. 

I know. There is a lady here. Thank Heaven! lam 
in time."^^ 

What do you mean?^'’ 

I come to save her.^^ 

Save her!^^ repeated Saint-Briac, in profound aston- 
ishment. 

Yes; let me in. If we remain here we shall be sur- 
prised. He is coming; you haven^t a minute to lose. I 
will not detain you long, but I inust tell you what has hap- 
pened. 

Saint-Briac realized at last that Eose Verdiere must he 
the bearer of important tidings. He could not send her 


117 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 

*away without a hearings nor prolong a conversation with 
her in a hall where M. de Malverne might burst in upon 
them at any moment. 

Come in, mademoiselle,'^^ he said, stepping aside. 

The Angel of the Bells needed no urging; and the cap- 
tain ushered her into the room Mme. de Malverne had just 
quitted. 

Sir,^^ she began, we know each other but slightly; 
but you, like Monsieur Malverne, seem to take an interest in 
a cliild whom a scoundrel has orphaned. That is a bond 
between us, and this child^s persecutor has concocted a 
most atrocious plot against you. A fortunate chance just 
disclosed it to me. I was sitting in the square at the foot 
of the tower of Saint- Jacques, when two gentlemen seated 
themselves near me, without seeing me, however. They 
began to talk, and spoke of you and Sacha. One of them 
said He had just sent the husband of the lady you love a 
letter. 

To inform him that his wife is now here. I suspected 
as much. Did he mention his name?^^ 

The husband^s name? No, sir; but I judged from 
ihe conversation that he is a magistrate. That was a mat- 
ter that did not interest me in the least, however. The 
great thing was to warn you of your danger, so I took a 
carriage and came here, fearing all the time that I should 
be too late, for the wretches said the gentleman would be 
here at half past three. 

I am expecting him now, and have taken my precau- 
tions. He will find no one. 

Then the lady has already gone?^^ 

No; but she will leave as soon as her husband enters 
this room. By so doing, she will run no risk of meeting 
him at the door or in the street.'’^ 

But what if he should meet me?^^ 

“ That would do no particular harm. He does not 
know you, I suppose. 

How could he possibly know me? He is a man of the 
world, I presume; and I am only a poor working-girl.^'’ 

A new idea had just struck Saint-Briac. 

Have you been examined by the judge of instruction 
in regard to the affair at the tower ?^^ he inquired eagerly. 

. Neither I nor Monsieur de Meriadec, nor either of the 


118 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


two gentlemen you saw on the Eue Cassette; but we soon, 
shall be, probably.'’^ 

' ‘ ^ It is enough that you have not been examined up ta 

the present time/^ replied the captain. 

He had taken good care not to tell Eose that the magis- 
trate who would summon her as a witness was the man ho 
feared, and he said to himself: 

If he should see her leave the house he will not know 
who she is; and if, when she is summoned before him to 
give her testimony, he. should recognize her from having 
previously met her at the door of my house, and should ask 
her what she was doing here, she will certainly have the 
tact to reply that she came to see me about the tragedy of 
Notre Dame.''^ 

Then there are two ways of leaving your house in- 
quired Eose, who had failed to understand the import of 
the captain^ s question. 

By the windows opening upon the courtyard — we are 
on the lower floor, you know, and — 

The bell resounded again. 

It must be he, this time,^^ exclaimed Saint-Briac. 

What shall I do?^^ faltered the girl, who had turned 
pale at the sound of the bell. 

The captain hesitated an instant, then said, in a decided 
tone: 

It wonT do for him to And you here. I know that I 
can trust you; and the lady who is in the next room will 
not be surprised to see you, as she has overheard our con- 
versation, and knows what she has to do. When she is 
gone, you can make your escape in the same way.^^ 

He opened a door — not that which Mme. de Malverne 
had closed and bolted, but the room in which she had taken 
; refuge communicated with the chamber into which Saint 
Briac pushed Eose Verdiere, saying, as he did so: 

. ITl see you to-morrow at Monsieur de Meriadec'^s.^^ 
After locking the door, and taking out the key, which ho 
placed in his pocket, Saint-Briac listened an instant, and 
. hearing no noise on the other side of the partition, con- 
cluded that Eose and Odette both understood the situation, 

■ and were prepared to make their escape when the right 
moment came. 

The ring at the bell had not been repeated; and tho 
newcomer might not be M. de Malverne after all; but who- 


THE AKGEL OE THE BELLS. 


119 


ever he might be^ the door must be opened, and the cap- 
tain, who had regained his self-possession, at least in a 
measure, tried to think of some means of diverting the sus- 
picions of the husband, if this should prove to be the hus- 
band. 

When he was alone at home, the captain generally 
smoked a pipe, and he now had the presence of mind to 
light one he saw lying on the table in the smoking-room 
which adjoined his parlor; and it was with this valuable 
mixiliary between his lips that he proceeded toward the 
door of his apartment. Just as he reached it, the bell rang 
again, not violently, but almost timidly. 

It is some tradesman,’^ Saint-Briac said to himself, 
that is, unless this is a ruse on the part of Malverne.^'' 
He opened the door, and seeing that it was the magis- 
trate, he said, in the most natural tone he could assume : 

What, is it you? May the deuce take me if I expected 
to see you here at this hour. I thought you were at the 
palace. 

I just came from there, replied the judge, calmly; 
but the calmness was only feigned, for his face did not 
wear its usual expression. 

Pray come in,'’^ continued Saint-Briac. You are 
probably surprised to see me opening the door myself, but 
both my servants have gone out, and I was about to do the 
same. If you had dropped in half an hour later, you would 
have had your labor for your pains. I was only waiting 
until I had finished my pipe to dress myself.^'’ 

Then as he ushered M. de Malverne into the drawing- 
room, he continued : 

You doiiT smoke a pipe yourself since you became a 
magistrate; your greatness forbids; besides, your wife de- 
tests the smell of tobacco; but I am sure you will allow me 
to finish this."’^ 

All this was said in the most careless manner imaginable, 
and the captain marveled at his own skill as an actor; but 
he did not play his part without remorse, for he was deeply 
ashamed of his role. 

Hugh did not seem convinced, however, for instead of 
seating himself in the arm-chair that Jacques had pushed 
toward him, he remained standing, with his hat upon his 
head, and his eyes fixed upon the doors leading into the ad- 
joining rooms. 


120 THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 

Whj^ what^s the matter with 3^ou, my clear fellow?''^ 
-inquired the captain, compelled to maintain his air of jovial 
indifference. Has some misfortune befallen you? Oh, 
I understand. You are out of humor because the investi- 
gation of the Hotre Dame affair is not progressing satis- 
factorily. Have you learned nothing new from the wit- 
nesses?^^ 

I have examined none of them/^ replied M. de Mal- 
verne, absently. I have been engrossed by other mat- 
ters. Are you alone ?^^ 

As you can see for yourself. If you have anything 
of a confidential nature to say to me, you can speak with- 
out reserve. You hesitate? Is it such a very grave mat- 
ter?^^ 

Very grave. 

Then it is all the more necessary that you should say 
what you have to say at once.^^ 

Listen, Jacques. You are nxy oldest and most inti- 
mate friend. Up to the present time not even the shadow 
of a cloud has ever risen between us. I have had the 
most implicit confidence in you.^^ 

This has been mutual.-’^ 

I had no doubt of it. Ah, well, think what a shock it 
must have been to me when I received a letter containing 
a frightful accusation against you.-^^ 

Indeed exclaimed the captain, ironically. Of 
what am I accused now, pray? Is it another charge of 
having thrown that unfortunate woman from the top of 
the south tower ?^^ 

‘ ‘ Had you been accused of that, I should not have left 
my office to hasten here, for I am now sure that the lady 
who ascended the tower of Notre Dame with you is alive. 

AYell, what is it, then?^^ inquired Saint-Briac, forcing 
a smile. 

I never doubted the fact,^^ continued M. de Malverne; 

but if I had, I should now be able to satisfy myself of 
her existence, for I have just learned who she is.^^ 

Now comes the tug of war!^^ thought the captain. 

I must weigh my every word.^^ 

I think some one must be playing a joke at your ex- 
pense, he said, shrugging his shoulders, for I am almost 
certain that no one saw her. Still, that doesnT matter. 
Tell me her name, and if it be the true one, I will not im— 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


121 


pugii the veracity of your informant. You will be in pos- 
session of a secret which I should have greatly preferred to 
keep; but I know that 3^ou are incapable of abusing your 
power.'''’ 

M. de Malverne's only answer was to hold out a folded 
letter he had in his left hand. 

Eead it/' he said, in a gloomy, almost sullen tone. 

The decisive moment had come. Saint-Briac's blood 
froze in his veins; but he summoned up all his self-control. 

This is infamous!" he cried, after a hasty glance over 
the opening lines. ‘‘ What wretch has dared to invent 
this abominable slander? You do not' believe it, I know; 
but when I learn the scoundrel's name — 

Bead it through to the end." 

Saint-Briac glanced at the next page. 

I was sure of it," he said, ‘‘it is not signed; and you 
know the only use an honorable man ought to make of aji 
anonymous letter." 

“ I should have taken no notice of it if it had not con- 
tained a specific charge. Eead it, I say. " 

The captain would have been glad to escape the ordeal; 
but he could not refuse, so he began to decipher the fine, 
rather cramped handwriting, ’ which he recognized at a 
glance as that of M. de Pancorbo's. 

“The lady who ascended the tower of Notre Dame tfie other 
day, in company with Monsieur de Saint-Briac, was your wife, and 
if you desire to convince yourself of the fact, go to the gallant cap- 
tain’s house this afternoon between the hours of three and four. 
You will find Madame de Malverne there.’' 

This was as clear and explicit as the demonstration of a 
theorem in geometry. There was no means of evading 
such an accusation. It must be refuted immediately, and 
refuted by proofs. 

It was evident that Hugh intended to ask the captain to 
satisfy him that no one was concealed in his rooms, and the 
captain wished to give Odette plenty of time to make her 
escape in the way he had indicated. He expected that 
Eose Verdiere would follow her without delay, and after 
that all would be well, for an inspection of the apartments 
would convince the visitor that his suspicions were ground- 
less. 


122 


THE ANGEL OF THE BELLS. 


So you have credited this shameful accusation against 
me, and have come here to verify it. I do not know/^ he 
murmured, assuming a heart-broken air. You deserve to 
be left to believe it, though it would be an easy matter to 
convince you that your informant lies. What kind of an 
opinion can you have of your wife and of me to come hero 
and act like a commissioner of police to whom the investi- , 
gation of a crime has been intrusted 

Saint-Briac had approached the door as he spoke, and ! 
raised his voice in such a way as to be distinctly heard by i 
Odette if she were still in the next room. 

I must believe the evidence of my own senses, replied 
the husband, coldly. ‘‘A lady entered this house a few 
moments before I did, and that lady was my wife.^^ 

The declaration made Saint-Briac turn pale. 

‘^Impossible! you must have dreamed this, he stam- 
mered. “ Your anger has impaired your reason and your 
sight. 

“ I declare that the lady entered this house, repeated 
M. de Malverne, with a calmness that was more alarming 
than any anger could have been, “ a lady dressed in black, 
whom I recognized perfectly, though she had a veil over 
her face. I was just turning the corner of the avenue 
when I saw her. She was walking rapidly, and when she 
reached the po?ie cocherey she turned suddenly, and disap- 
peared*under the archway. 

“You must be mistaken, but even if you are not, whak 
you saw is no .proof that she entered my apartment, for I 
am not the only occupant of the house. Still less does it 
prove that the lady was Madame de Malverne. She must 
be at home at this hour, and if you would drive awa}^ these 
absurd fancies, you have ouly to hasten to your house, and 
I am sure that you will find her there, offering tea to her " 
friends, for this is her reception day, and I should have 
gone to call on her myself had you not invaded my domi- 
cile. 

“ And I am sure that she is here, that is, unless she has 
already had time to make her escape. 

“ But how? My apartment has but one outside door, as 
you know.'’^ 

“ But this is the lower fioor, and there are windows open- 
ing upon the court-yard. 

Saint-Briac started violently, for he began to fear that he 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


123 


should not be able to escape from the dangerous position in 
^\^bich Odette'^s imprudence had placed him. He made the 
attempt^ however, by suddenly changing his tone and man- 
ner. 

The devil take you, and your absurd suspicions, he 
cried, accompanying the words with a scornful gesture. 

As you are determined not to be convinced, I shall not 
attempt to convince you. Believe what you like, but let me 
alone. 

Your insults have no elfect upon me, sir,^^ replied 
Hugh, without departing from his haughty coldness. 

You shall atone for them, when you atone for the rest, 
for I shall do you the honor to challenge you, and I expect 
to kill you. But I want your accomplice, and I shall not 
leave without her.^'’ 

Do you suppose that if there was really a lady here I 
would deliver her up at your command replied the cap- 
tain, now furious with anger. For what do you take me, 
sir?^^ 

I might reply for a traitor, for you have just destroyed 
a friendship of twenty years^ standing by your shameful 
treachery; but it is not with you that I have to deal just 
now. You pretend that there is no one in that apartment; 
prove it to me by opening that door.^^ 

I should have done so long ago if you had not made 
use of language that I will not tolerate. Besides, what 
good would it do for me to show you that the adjoining 
room is vacant? You would pretend that the person who 
took refuge there had made her escape by the window. Let 
us put an end to this, I beg. This ridiculous scene has 
lasted too long, already. We will cut each other ^s throats 
whenever you like. Nothing could please me better. But 
I am in my own house, and I order you to leave it.'’^ 

Not until after I have dragged your accomplice from 
the room in which she is concealed.'^'’ 

M. de Malverne sprung forward with the evident inten- 
tion of bursting open the door, and Saint-Briac, now* 
thoroughly exasperated, was about to seize him by the 
throat, when the overturning of a chair made them both 
pause. The noise proceeded from the next room, and the 
captain asked himself in terror if Odette could still he 
there. 


124 THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 

Do you persist in your assertion that there is no one 
there asked Hugh^, sneeringly. 

JSTo, but I forbid you to enter that room, and I swear 
that you shall not cross the threshold alive retorted Saint- 
Briac, hurling his pipe to the other end of the room. 

The two men glared at each other like tigers thirsting 
for each other^s blood, but the door, threatened by one 
man, and defended by the other, suddenly opened, andS 
Eose Verdiere appeared upon the threshold with face un- 
covered. M. de Malverne recoiled, overcome with astonish- ' 
ment; Saint-Briac, no less amazed, stood silent and mo- 
tionless. 

The girl stepped forward, with head haughtily erect, and 
turning to Odette^s husband, said : 

It was I, sir, whom you saw approach from the quay 
and enter this house. I think I perceived you at the 
other end of the avenue. You referred, just now, to a 
veiled lady, dressed in black. DonT you recognize me as . 
the same person 

Yes, it seems to me it must have been you, and yet — 

You still have your doubts, I see. You can not under- 
stand Monsieur de Saint-Briac^s persistent denial that there 
was any lady here. But if he had admitted it, you would 
have insisted uj)on his naming his visitor or showing her to 
you, and I should have been placed in a very embarrassing 
position. 

Yes,^^ continued Eose, unflinchingly, ^^and for this 
reason, you can dispense with a further examination of the 
apartment. .The lady you are seeking is not here. Ido 
not know who you are, but my reason for concealing my- 
self, when you rang, was that I have my reputation to 
guard, and I did not wish any of Monsieur de Saint-Briac^ s 
friends to see me. I was about to make my escape through 
the window, when I heard your violent language through 
the |)artition, and thought it best for me to remain. It 
cost me much to show myself, but now that you have seen 
me, you will cease to accuse an innocent woman because 
she has the misfortune to resemble me when seen from a 
distance; and as I am sure that I am addressing an honora- 
ble man, I feel certain that you will have forgotten that you 
ever saw me here if we should chance to meet again. 

Upon the conclusion of this little speech, which would 
certainly have done honor to a thorough woman of the 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


125 


world, the daughter of the ex-keeper made a rather haiightj 
little bow to M. de Malverne, and turned toward the door^ 
first, however, extending her hand to the captain, who im- 
printed a grateful kiss upon it. 

Jacques, left alone with the magistrate, turned to him, 
and said gently: 

Well, are you still angry with me, or do you at last 
comprehend that you have suspected your wife and your 
friend without cause 

Hugh threw his arms around his friend, and the captain 
submitted to the embrace he so little deserved. When a 
man takes the first step in the path of deception, he must 
follow it to the end. * 

Forgive me,"’"' murmured M. de Malverne. That 
infamous letter drove me nearly mad.^^ 

Is it possible that you have not guessed who sent it?"’"’ 

I can not guess, even nowJ^ 

Have you forgotten the conversation we had with Pan- 
corbo, at the club?'’^ 

What, can it be that — 

DoiFt you recollect that after exchanging a few com- 
monplace remarks with me, he suddenly announced that he 
had seen me crossing the square in front of the church of 
Notre I)ame in the custody of two policemen the afternoon 
before? Do you not recollect that an idea that this man, 
who seemed to be so well informed, was perhaps the assas- 
sin, occurred to you?^^ 

That is true,^^ murmured M. de Malverne. I even 
remember that this announcement had very much the effect 
of a disguised threat. 

And you were quite right, rejoined the captain. It 
was intended as a sort of warning, ^t was equivalent to 
sa3dng to us: ^ Drop the affair, or I will make you buffer 
for your interference.'' Now he has concocted a new plot,, 
or rather he has perfected the other. 

He knows that you are a married man; that I am your 
most intimate friend, and that your wife is young and 
pretty, so he said to himself: ^ If I can make the judge of 
instruction believe that this Saint-Briac is Madame de 
Malverne^s lover, the gentlemen will perhaps kill each, 
other, and I shall be rid of my most dangerous enemies. ^ 
This is exactly what seemed likely to happen when I refused 
to take you into the presence of the lady I had concealed in 


126 


THE AKGEL OP , THE EELLS. 


the adjoining room; and the only thing that prevented the 
oatastrophe was the rare tact and courage she displayed in 
showing herself — a courage and tact i^articularly com- 
mendafte. '''' 

Is she a married lady?^^ 

You must excuse me from answering that question/'' 

“ But there is certainly nothing to prevent you from 
telling me if she is the lady who ascended the tower of 
l^otre Dame with you/'' 

You are at liberty to believe whatever you please/" 

Then you refuse to answer that question?"" 

“ Absolutely^ and I am surprised that you insist. We 
^ire not in your office at the palace, and here, you are no 
longer a judge of instruction, but Hugh de Malverne, my 
old friend; and now that you can no longer suspect me of 
having wronged you, I tell you plainly that my love affairs 
do not concern you in the least."" 

You are right/" exclaimed Malverne, evidently im- 
pressed by this clear and straightforward language. 

Now, Avould you like to examine every nook and cor- 
ner of my establishment?"" inquired the captain, smiling. 

I would not so insult you. I no longer doubt you, and 
I beg that you will forget what has passed here. I shall 
preserve the recollection of it as a lesson, but I shall never 
.sjieak of it to you, and Odette will always remain in igno- 
rance of it."" 

Ah, you are yourself once more, and I trust that noth- 
ing will ever occur to mar our old friendship. Will you 
allow me to give you a word of advice? It is to allow 
Monsieur de Pancorbo to go and get hung elsewhere."" 

I can not jDromise that,"" was the quick rejoinder. I 
am a magistrate, and I must do my duty to the uttermost. 
But I advise you to have nothing more to do with the 
affair. It has cost you enough already, and you ar3 under 
no obligations to investigate it."" 

You need have no fears. I shall have nothing more to 
do with it. AYu are going home, now, I presume. When 
shall I see you again?"" 

^ ^ Wlienever you like. Our house is always open to you, 
you know."" 

They shook hands, and separated, but Hugh de Malverne 
■was certainly not the more unfortunate of the two, for 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 


127 


>Saint-Briac on being left alone,, threw himself into aii 
arm-chair, and exclaimed, with a gesture of despair: 

Ah, this is too horrible! I loathe myself. I wish that 
assassin would challenge me to mortal combat and so re- 
lieve me of the burden of life.^^ 


CHAPTEE VIIL 

Eose Yerdiere left the captain^ s house with a heavy 
heart. She did not regret the generous impulse that had 
prompted her to sacrifice herself, but she scarcely dared to 
contemplate the possible consequences of her devotion, nor 
did she know the name of the man she had helped to de- 
ceive, though she had heard nearly all of the conversation 
through the partition wall. 

Certain remarks made in the course of this conversation 
might have given her a clew, but these had escaped her be- 
cause she happened to be assisting Mine, de Malverne to 
escape through the window at the time they were uttered. 
She was, consequently, ignorant that this husband was the 
magistrate to whom the investigation of the tragedy of 
Xotre Dame had been intrusted; but she knew that he was 
an intimate friend of the captain, and that was enough to 
make her dread the consequence of this adventure. 

But there was no time to reflect upon all these matters. 

She must think now of the child they intended to sup- 
press, to use their own frightful language. She had felt it 
her first duty to hasten to the aid of Saint-Briac, for 
Sacha, well guarded by Meriadec, could wait; and yet, she 
was by no means tranquil in mind. The two villains whose 
conversation she had overheard, had just shown her what 
they could do, and it was certainly more difiScult to jirepare 
the trap on the Avenue d^’Antin, than to effect an entrance 
into an isolated house on the Eue Cassette. 

On leaving the captain^ s, she walked straight toward the 
Seine. On the quay, she found the carriage she had left 
there still waiting for her, and ordered- the coachman to 
drive her to the Eue Cassette with all possible speed. As 
the horse happened to be a good one, she reached the Eue 
de Eennes in less than twenty minutes. There she alighted 
and dismissed the vehicle, not wishing to attract the at- 


128 THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 

tention of Meri adeems quiet neighbors by the sound of car- 
riage wheels. 

The house in which Eose Verdiere had lived for two days, 
and which she already began to love, wore its accustomed 
aspect. 

Screened from the street by a long wall, only two win- 
dows were visible on apj)roaching the house from the Eue 
de Eennes. 

The first was that of Eose^s own room. She had closed 
this before going out, and was consequently a little sur- 
prised to see that it was open. The other, which was in 
the baron^s chamber, was tightly closed, though the weather 
was superb, and Meriadec was a great lover of fresh air. 

That is very strange,^ ^ she thought, noticing this two- 
iold change. 

All her former misgivings returned, and it was with a 
wildly throbbing heart that she approached the door. She 
had no key, and she was afraid she would find the door 
locked, but she had only to turn the knob to enter. 

I am foolish to worry, she thought. If the baron 
had gone out with Sacha, he would not have left his house 
at the mercy of the first comer, especially as his servant is 
never here at this hour.'^^ 

After ascending the stairs, she entered the room where 
she had breakfasted, but seeing no one, she passed into the 
adjoining room where she had left Meriadec explaining the 
pictures to Sacha. The book was lying there ojDen, but 
master and pupil had both disappeared. 

Eose next repaired to her bedroom, which she found de- 
serted; then, again retracing her steps, she hastened to her 
work-room. Not a soul was visible. Meriadec must have 
gone out; and his absence, after all, was not so very ex- 
traordinary, for he often paid a visit to the garden of the 
Luxembourg of an afternoon. 

He must have taken Sacha with him,'’^ the girl said to 
herself. I am sure that he will not lose him on tlie way; 
but for all that, I should be glad to see them safe at home 
again. 

She comforted herself with the thought that they would 
soon return ; and while waiting for them, she could think 
of nothing better to do than to resume her work. 

Having received another pressing order from the estab- 
lishment on the Eue de Eivoli, she had no time to lose if 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


129 


she would finish the work within the specified time^ so she 
took out her materials and began the garland of forget-me- 
nots that formed a part of the parure confided to her skill. 
But unfortunately her thoughts were elsewhere, and she 
performed her work but indilferently well. The exciting 
events of the day engrossed her, and her mind was busy 
with the possible consequences of them. 

Absorbed in these refiections, she had made but little 
progress in her wreath when, glancing up from her work, 
she saw Meriadec cross the court-yard and ascend the steps 
leading to his rooms. 

Thank Heaven! he has brought Sacha safely home 
again she exclaimed, springing up. 

She had not seen the child; but she supposed he liad en- 
tered the house in advance of the baron, and that she 
would find him in the library. 

She accordingly hastened there, but saw no one but 
Meriadec, who exclaimed: 

What, mademoiselle, you are here?^^ 

I returned home about a quarter of an hour ago,^^ re- 
plied the girl, with some embarrassment. I stayed out 
too late, I know, but it was not my fault, and — 

Oh, I am not blaming you. As you are here, all is 
well; but I was very much afraid I should never see you 
again. 

‘^Andwhy?^^ 

‘‘ Why, because I did not meet you at the place indicat- 
ed. I hastened to the garden of the Tuileries, but you had 
gone.^^ 

To the garden of the Tuileries? Why, I have not 
been there. 

You certainly wrote me that you were waiting for me 
there. 

did?^^ 

Most assuredly. See for yourself. 

Meriadec drew a letter from his pocket, and handed it to 
her; but as soon as she glanced at it, she exclaimed: 

This letter is not from me."’"’ 

What is that you say?'’^ 

The truth. I wonder how you could have supposed 
so. Who gave it to you?^^ 

A man dressed in the uniform of a commissionaire. He 
5 


130 THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 

told me that the matter was urgent, and that the person 
was even then waiting for me.^^ 

It is still another conspiracy/^ murmured Eose, ap- 
palled by this new discovery. The scoundrel who sent 
you this forged letter was probably aware that you did not 
know my handwriting, and so invented this means of get- 
ting you away from home.^^ 

“ But what could have been his ohject?^^ 

Where is Sacha inquired the girl, abruptly. 

Sacha is here, replied Meriadec. I could not take 
him with me, of course. I thought you were in danger, 
and I did not wish to expose the child to peril. 

And you left him alone in the house P'"" exclaimed 
Rose. 

He didnT know it; and I took good care to lock him 
in so he could not wander out, even if he wished to do so.^^ 
Where did you put him?^^ 

In his own room; and he knew nothing at all about it. 
After looking at the books with me he felt sleepy, and I 
laid him upon his bed, when he immediately fell asleep. 
About a quarter of an hour afterward the commissionaire 
brought me the letter I just showed you. I sent him away, 
then, not caring to leave Sacha to the mercy of any one 
who might happen in. I turned the key in each of the 
doors of his room. He did not hear me, for he had fallen 
into such a sound sleep that he has not woke yet.^"" 

Are you sure?^^ 

No, not sure; for I have not been in his room; hut I 
feel quite certain of it. We will see for ourselves, how- 
ever,'’^ he added. 

Look!^^ cried Rose, suddenly dragging him to the win- 
dow, and pointing to a rope ladder that was swinging from 
the window of Sacha^s room. ^ 

Good heavens exclaimed Meriadec, in profound con- 
sternation. The child has run away.^'’ 

Say, rather, he has been stolen. Where could he have 
procured a rope ladder 

. I donT know; but I am sure that he was not taken 
away against his will. He could have struggled and shout- 
ed for help. You can not carry off a boy eight or nine 
years old as a nurse would carry off a baby.^^ 

Oh, they took good care not to employ violence. They 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 131 

resorted to strategy^ and doubtless persuaded him that one 
of us had sent for him/^ 

Sacha would hardly believe that/^ 

But you believed the same thing; nor are you the only 
person who has been similarly victimized to-day? Besides, 
nothing could have pleased Sacha better than to get a 
chance to see the city. He probably told them that he was 
a prisoner in his room. They threw him this ladder, and 
he lost no time in using it, if only to get even with you for 
locking him up without his knowledge. 

Yes,'’^ murmured Meriadec, I think it must have 
happened in that way, unless — 

Without concluding the sentence, he hastened to the 
communicating door. The key was still in the lock. He 
turned it softly, and stole in on tiptoe. Eose followed. 

The bed, a small iron bed, the curtains of which were 
closely drawn, stood at the further end of the room. Mer- 
iadec noiselessly parted the curtains, placed his finger on 
his lips, and beckoned the Angel of the Bells to approach. 
The child was lying asleep on his right side, with his face 
turned toward the wall, and his left arm over his face. He 
did not make the slightest movement; and Meriadec whis- 
pered to his companion, DonT wake him; he is sleeping 
so soundly.'’^ 

They left the apartment as cautiously as they had en- 
tered it, and seated themselves at the further end of the 
work-room so they might be able to talk without disturbing 
the child. 

How profound his slumber seems to be!^^ said the 
young girl, only partially reassured. 

It is the slumber we, too, enjoyed at his age,^^ replied 
the baron, rubbing his hands. You see, my dear Eose, 
that you were needlessly alarmed. 

I admit it; and yet, why is the window open?^^ 

I opened it at Sacha^s request. He was too warm; and 
the room is so small I thought it best to give him a little 
fresh air.'’^ 

But the ladder ?^^ 

I did not put that there, I must admit. 

Who could have done it, then?^^ 

I really can not say. Perhaps the boy can tell us when 
he wakes. It doesnT matter much, since he is safe and 
well. Perhaps it was our friend Pabreguette. He did not 


132 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


call this morning, according to promise, but he may have 
dropped in this afternoon, and finding no one at home, 
took into his head to scale the boy^s window, and have a 
romp with him.^^ 

That seems scarcely probable. 

In fact, Eose seemed to be so far from convinced by this 
reasoning, that Meriadec tried a new argument. 

You must admit that if the ladder was brought here 
by an enemy, he would not have been very likely to leave 
it here to mark his passage 

^^That is true,^^ murmured the girl. Still, I can^t 
help feeling uneasy about Sacha. 

What, now, after you have seen him?^^ 

^ ^ I shall not feel really comfortable until Sacha tells me 
that all is right with his own lips.'^^ 

And that shall be as soon as you please, mademoiselle. 
I was unwilling to disturb him just ]iow; but he has slept 
long enough, after all; besides, I am anxious to inquire 
what occurred here during my absence. It is more than 
likely that he knows nothing at all about it. Still, let us 
go and wake him.'*^ 

Eose eagerly acquiesced; and they returned to the boy^s 
chamber, where they found everything exactly as they had 
left it. Sacha was lying in the same position; but this 
time Meriadec pulled back the curtains noisily, aiid called 
him by name. 

Eeceiving no reply, he leaned over and took hold of the 
hand that hid his face. It v^as so icy cold that he hastened 
to lift the child; but Sacha gave no sign of life. His half- 
open eyes wore a vacant stare, and his distorted face, with 
his tongue hanging out of his mouth, was unrecognizable. 
He is deadl"’"’ sobbed Eose. 

Murdered, rather!'’^ exclaimed Meriadec, letting the 
boy^s head drop back upon the pillow. 

It was a pitiful sight. Upon the lad^s fair, uncovered 
throat were two purple marks, imprints of the cruel fingers 
which had ended his young life almost in an instant. Ifiie 
deed must have been committed while the boy was asleep, 
for his clothing was not disordered, nor the bed tumbled.- 
The assassin was only obliged to place the body in a natural 
position and lay the arm across his face to give his victim 
the appearance of being asleep. 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 133 

Eose wept silently. Meriadec was overcome with con- 
sternation. 

I It was I who killed him!^^ he said^ smiting his breast. 

I ought to have watched over him; and I left him unpro- 
tected. 

To hasten to my assistance/^ sobbed Eose. It is I 
who am the cause of his death. 

You could not have foreseen that the murderer would 
make use of your name to lure me from home.^'’ 

No; but I knew that his life was in danger. I heard 
two men talk of kidnapping him, and instead of hastening 
home, I — 

It is very fortunate that you did not return. You 
would have been here alone, and the wretches might have 
killed you too.^^ 

I would gladly have sacrificed my life to save his.'’^ 

‘‘We will avenge him.^^ 

“ Do not hope to do that. We are no match for these 
villains. We shall all perish.'’^ 

“No; for we have right and the law on our side. I 
wished to take the place of the authorities in this matter. 
I regret it deeply now; and I shaJl tell the judge of in- 
struction all I have heretofore kept from him. Now Sacha 
is dead, I have no further excuse for concealment; and 
there is not a minute to lose. A murder has been com- 
mitted in my house; and this murder is only a sequel to 
the tragedy of Notre Dame. I am going to the Palais do 
Justice at once.'’^ 

“ I can not remain here alone,^^ said Eose, casting a 
shuddering glance at the form of her little charge. 

“ Why do you not accompany me? You, too, weix^, 
mixed up in the tower affair, and will soon be summoned 
as a witness. Suppose that we do not wait for the judge to 
send for us. If our friends were here, I should urge tluun 
to go with us, but unfortunately Fabreguette has not made 
his appearance to-day. 

“ They have killed him too, perhaps; but we shall find 
Monsieur Daubrac at the hospital. 

“ Yes, this is the hour for his second round of visits; 
and the hospital is right on our way. Let us go at once, 
mademoiselle.^^ 

“ But who will watch over him?^^ asked Eose, pointing 
to poor little Sacha. 


134 THE AKCtEL oe the bells. 

Meriadec^s only reply was a gesture that signified plainly: 

He has no longer any need of human care.^^ 

Rose took from her bosom a tiny bunch of violets that 
she had purchased on her way to the Rue de Rivoli^ placed 
it gently upon the child^s breast, and knelt reverently by 
the bedside. 

While she was engaged in prayer, Meriadec closed the 
window without removing the ladder, which he left so that 
the detectives could see how the murderer had effected an 
entrance; then he assisted Rose to her feet and led her 
from the room, locking the door carefully, and jiutting the 
key in his pocket. 

Will you tell the magistrate all you know about the 
affair he inquired of \\\% protegee, 

Rosens only reply was a silent nod. She felt an unwill- 
ingness to give a direct answer in words, for the promise 
was not made without an inward reservation. She was 
firmly resolved to say nothing to the judge about the scene 
between Saint-Briac and the husband: nor had she said a 
word about it to Meriadec, for she did not wish to break 
the promise of secrecy she had made to the captain. Be- 
sides, the scene was only indirectly connected with the 
tragedy of Notre Dame, and had no connection whatever 
with Sacha^s murder. 

I hope we shall find the magistrate in his oftice,^^ con- 
tinued Meriadec; but we haven^t a minute to lose.'’^ 

They hurried down-stairs; and this time the baron care- 
fully locked the street door, a precaution which he had 
neglected when he hastened to the Tuileries in search of 
Rose. Stopping a carriage which was passing along the 
Rue de Rennes, they entered it, and were driven rapidly to 
the hospital. 

Meriadec found Daubrac in the surgeon^ s room, and after 
briefly relating the particulars of S^acha^s death, invited 
him to accompany them to the Palace of Justice. 

I will, most assuredly; but I doubt very much if 
Mademoiselle Verdiere will go when she hears the sad news 
I have to communicate to her. Her father is dead.^'’ 

It really seems as if everybody was dying exclaimed 
Meriadec, gloomily. 

It does, indeed. I begin to think that we are all 
doomed. I have just come from Fabreguette^s house. He 
has not returned to his garret on the Rue de la Huchette, 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS, 


135 


and nothing has been seen of him for thirty-six hours. 
Some misfortune has certainly befallen him. As for Ver- 
diere^ he just had another stroke of paralysis which took 
him off instantly, without even giving him time to say 
good-bye. ^ ^ 

Ah, well, if you will take my advice, you will say 
nothing to his daughter about it at present. She would be 
overcome with grief, and refuse to go with us; and I am 
anxious to terminate this most intolerable state of affairs 
without delay. To do that it is necessary for all three of 
us to appear together before the magistrate. If I go alone, 
my testimony will have much less weight. He would 
scarcely believe me upon oath if I should tell him how and 
why I found and protected Sacha. 

I agree with you fully; especially as this murder of 
Sacha will infallibly bring the police and the other officers 
of the law to your house. We can not leave you to meet 
the storm alone. I even regret the absence of Fabreguette; 
but we can not spare the time to hunt him up. After all, 
there will be three of us, for I will defer telling poor 
Mademoiselle Verdiere that she is an orphan. She will 
learn the sad truth soon enough. 

When Daubrac entered the carriage in which Kose was 
seated, he did not find himself obliged to tell her a false- 
hood in regard to her father^s condition, for in her grief 
and excitement, she quite forgot to inquire about her 
parent; besides, the palace was only a short distance off, 
and they had very little chance for conversation. 

On their arrival, Meriadec alighted to make the necessary 
inquiries, and learned that M. de Malverne had left his 
office between two and three o^ clock, and that he had proba- 
bly returned home. 

After another consultation with Daubrac and Eose Yer- 
diere, it was unanimously decided that they should go 
straight to the Faubourg Saint-Honore, where the magis- 
trate resided, neither member of the party foreseeing in the 
least the inevitable consequence of the intended visit. 


CHAPTEE IX. 

For two days neither Meriadec, Eose, Daubrac, nor the 
caiotain had been on a bed of roses, but Jean Fabreguette, 
their ally, was spending his time much more uncomforta- 


13G 


THE AHC4EL OF THE BELLS. 


bly. He had been a close j^risoner for more than twenty- 
four hours; his hunger was making itself keenly felt, and 
he was about to explore his dungeon for the twentieth 
time, when he fancied that he heard measured footsteps on 
tlie other side of the partition. It was by no means j^roba- 
ble that release was at hand, but ifc was by no means im- 
possible that some one had come to kill him, and he in- 
stinctively assumed the attitude of defense. 

The sounds became more and more distinct. The steps 
approached the partition, and Fabreguette opened the 
pocket knife, which wa« his only weapon of defense, but a 
very frail oiie. 

Dazzled by a sudden gleam of light, he hastily recoiled, 
involuntarily closing his eyes, and when he opened them 
again, he beheld, in the opening, the odious face of his 
persecutor, distinctly visible in the light of two candles, 
which the scoundrel had placed upon a table. The sight 
revived the prisoners wrath, and he proceeded to apostro- 
phize his tormentor in a very vigorous fashion. 

What has brought you here, you vile scoundrel?'’^ he 
cried, hotly. 

I came to see if you were not dead,^"^ was the sneering 
reply. 

‘ ‘ Not yet, you miserable hound 

‘‘You soon will be, unless you consent to listen to rea- 
son. 

“ That is to say unless I will consent to betray the child 
into your hands 

“ Oh, I am not particular about that now. I have found 
an easy and very effectual way of getting rid of him. But 
I will stick to my bargain, nevertheless, for if you will 
write the letter I propose to dictate to you, you will assist 
me very considerably, and I will pay you the amount 
agreed upon: ten thousand francs. 

“ Go to the devil, you old wretch 

“Go to the devil ! You will get there in advance of me,if you 
persist in your obstinacy. It is your own affair, however, 
and you are at perfect liberty to starve if you like. Only 
remember, when your last hour comes, that I offered to 
save you. This thought will not sweeten your last mo- 
ments, and I have always heard that one^s sufferings were 
frightful when one dies of starvation.'’^ 


THE ANGEL OE THE BELLS. 137 

I much prefer that death to the one which awaits you 
upon the Place de la KoquetteP^ 

‘‘ Oh, you will not have the satisfaction of sending me 
to the gallows. You can rest assured of * that, for by to- 
morrow, my master and myself will have left the inhospita- 
ble shores of France forever, first putting your little 
protege, Sacha, neatly out of the way, however. That little 
job will be attended to this evening.'’^ 

‘‘ This evening,^ ^ murmured Fabreguette in utter con- 
sternation. 

Yes, all the necessary arrangements have been made, 
and before night, he will have rejoined his mother in a 
better world. When he is safely out of the way, we shall 
have no further use for you, consequently, this will be^my 
last visit. 

I hope so, for I care much less about living than about 
killing you; and I shall never be able to strangle you 
through that little opening. You are too much of a coward 
to come any nearer.'’^ 

Onedoesn^t go near a mad dog, and I should be a fool, 
indeed, not to keep at a distance. But I now warn you 
that I shall never set foot in this house again. I am going 
this very minute to securely fasten every door and window. 
I shall take the keys away with me, and as my master has 
leased the house for a year, no one will enter it before the 
expiration of that time. Consequently, no one will know 
what has become of you; and, when the owner resumes 
possession of his property, there will be nothing left of you 
but your bones. 

A sudden fit of coughing interrupted this pleasant con- 
versation, for a puff of smoke savagely driven through the 
opening by Fabreguette went straight down the throat of 
the marquises auxiliary, and he found it difficult to regain 
his breath. 

What! you are smoking he gasped. 

Yes. Had I known that the smell of my pipe would 
be disagreeable to you, nothing could have induced me to 
indulge. 

Where did you obtain a light 

I always carry a steel in my pocket. 

‘‘ Nothing but a steel 
“ I have a flint and tinder box also.'’^ 

No matches 


THE AKGEL OE THE BELLS. 


No; they cost too much^ and never light. The manu- 
facturers are all in league to cheat the poor. But what 
difference can it make to you whether I have any matches 
or not?^-’ 

If you had> you might set fire to the house. 

‘‘ What of that? It is insured probably. 

Oh^ I care nothing whatever about the house^ but the 
interior of it is finished in j^ine^ and in case it took fire, 
you would be burned alive in less than no time. You are 
in the middle of a house which I am going to close up 
securely before I leave it, and no matter how much you 
may shriek for help, no one will come to your assistance. 

‘^Pooh! it matters very little whether one starves to 
death or is roasted alive. I even think I should prefer be- 
ing roasted. But I am deeply touched to learn that you 
take such an interest in my fate,^^ added Fabreguette, 
ironically. 

You are very much mistaken. If you won^t consent 
to do what I ask, you can starve as soon as you please. 
But I have said all I have to say to you. There is nothing 
more to keep me here, and the marquis is waiting for my 
assistance on the Eue Cassette. It is nearly noon, and I 
have no time to waste in idle talk. I ask you once more, 
will you write the letter? I have brought writing materials. 
You do not answer. For the second, and last time, I ask 
you. You say nothing. Very well, so be it,^^ concluded 
the scoundrel, suddenly closing the aperture. 

Jean Fabreguette again found himself in utter darkness. 
We must do him the justice to say that he had not been 
tempted for an instant to accept the offers of the scoundrel 
who had given him a chance to save his life at the cost of 
an act of infamous treachery; nevertheless, he knew that 
this decision was final, and that the auxiliary of the Count- 
ess Xenia^s murderer would not return again. The man- 
ner in which he had just spoken left no possible doubt of 
his intentions. But a remark that he had just made started 
a new idea in Fabreguette^ s busy brain. 

Why did he allude to the danger of fire?^^ wondered 
the artist. Certainly not out of solicitude for my wel- 
fare. Is it because he fears I may resort to that means of 
escape. When the cage takes fire, the bird escapes; that 
is, unless he is roasted alive. It is a chance, and the only 
one I have left, and I have a great mind to try it. 


THE Ai^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


139 


It was much easier to make this plan than to carry it 
into execution, however. A house does not catch fire like 
a pile of shavings, particularly when one has only a box of 
matches to kindle it with, and even if one should succeed 
in setting fire to it, one rims a great risk of perishing in 
the fiames. But our friend of the Eue de la Huchette was 
not easily daunted. 

He drew from his pocket the box of matches which he 
had just denied having, for the first thing to be done was 
to examine the interior of his cell, of which he had as yet 
gained only a very imperfect idea, merely from the sense 
of touch. 

He took one match from the box with infinite care, and 
passing a finger gently over the sulphur-tipped end, he saw 
that it emitted a faint bluish light. This was a good sign, 
for his only chance of life depended upon the condition in 
which he found these matches. 

Heaven grant that they are not damp,^^ he said to 
himself. “ If they are, I believe I will scrape ofi the 
phosphorus and poison myself. That would certainly be 
much better than to die of starvation, for it would be over 
so much sooner.'’^ 

After examining the rough side of his match box, and 
satisfying himself that it was dry, he made the momentous 
experiment. It proved successful. 

Armed with this feeble light, he proceeded to explore his 
dungeon. By the time he had used three matches he had 
: examined only two sides of it, and had discovered nothing. 
The question he asked himself now, was how many more 
feet he would.be obliged to traverse to complete his tour of 
inspection, and how many matches remained in his box. 
The further he advanced, the more doubtful his ultimate 
success appeared, but his perseverance was about to be re- 
warded. 

I When his tour of exploration was nearly concluded, he 
! discovered upon the floor, a couple of feet from the wall, 
fa small pile of pine shavings which the carpenters had 
neglected to remove. There was enough to make a bright 
i. blaze, but a short-lived blaze, however bright, would hard- 
! ly set fire to the heavy timbers about it; so his new-found 
treasure was not likely to prove as valuable as he at first 
supposed. 

Fabreguette separated the shavings with his foot, taking 


140 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


care not to set fire to them with the match that served him 
as a torch^ and he had scarcely done so, when he uttered a 
cry of joy, for beneath the shavings, was a tiny stove and 
a little pile of charcoal. 

Who could have left it there? Probably the workmen 
employed in the construction of this sort of dungeon made 
in the center of the house by the order of the tenant. They 
had doubtless used it for drying the paint, and forgotten 
it, when their work was done. 

Misfortunes never come singly, it is said, and the same 
is true of bits of good fortune, at least, in this case, for 
Fabreguette perceived in a corner not two feet from the 
shavings, a white object, which on examination proved to 
be a package of candles, more precious to him, at that 
moment, than a nugget of gold. 

Saved he cried, pressing the package to his heart. 

I have all I need to burn this sorcerer’s castle! It is a 
pity that the scoundrel who imprisoned me here has left the 
house. It would fill my heart with joy if I could only 
fasten him up, and leave him here to be roasted alive. 

He possessed all the necessary materials now, and he 
resolved to begin operations without a moment^s delay, for 
the task might prove a tedious one; and he did not forget 
his tormentor^s boast, that Sacha would be put out of the 
way before night. 

He began by lighting one of the six candles he had just 
secured, and armed witli this luminary, he resumed his ex- 
amination of his prison; but the slide through which the 
jailer had taunted him, and the door, seemed no more sus- 
ceptible to the action of fire than any other portions of the 
wood-work. He next proceeded to kindle a fire in the tinj 
stove, fanning it into a brisk blaze with his red cap in- 
stead of a bellows. This was only the work of a moment, 
and he next turned his attention to one of the joints of the , 
wood-work, and began to scrape away vigorously at the | 
edges with his pocket-knife — a hard job, particularly at the i 
beginning. The hard wood resisted the frail blade, but he : 
finally succeeded in making an opening to which he appliec 
the flame of his second candle. This flame soon charrec ' 
the roughened wood, and the hole increased a little in size, i 

It was only a beginning, but the means had been found 
By digging off the charred portions of the woodwork, anc 
reapplying his candle, the hole finally became large enougl 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 

for him to introduce into it one of the pieces of burning 
charcoal from the stove. 

It was slow work, and fully an hour elapsed before he 
succeeded in burning a hole entirely through the partition. 
Eesolved now to employ more effectual measures, he 
pushed the stove close up to the hole already made, piled 
all his little stock of charcoal and shavings upon it, and 
awaited the result. 

A dense smoke sQon pervaded the little room, forked 
tongues of flame licked the wood-work, which now blazed 
and crackled as merrily as if it had been soaked in 
petroleum.- Fabreguette was jubilant, but his feelings 
speedily underwent a change. The fire was increasing 
rapidly, but the smoke increased correspondingly, an acric 
smoke that filled the prisoner's throat, and made it wel 
nigh impossible for him to breathe. A few moments more 
and he would certainly die of suffocation. 

He took refuge at the end of the room, as far as possibl 
from the fire, but it was very evident that all four sides c 
his dungeon would soon be in flames, and his situation W 2 
even now almost intolerable. 

The poor artist began to realize that he had gone rath< 
too far, and that the gloomy prediction of his torment( 
was likely to come to pass. 

In destroying his prison, the prisoner was going to d 
stroy himself. But he could not make up his mind 
perish thus, and he made a final resolve. 

The fire was besieging him, he would turn upon the fii 
so, placing his crossed arms in front of his face to prote 
it, and closing his eyes, he suddenly dashed with all 1 
might against the partition. 

Fortunately the fire had so weakened it, that it yield 
to the shock, and Fabreguette fell through to the otl 
side, in the midst of a shower of live coals, and pursued 
the hungry flames, which the air had quickened. He had 
little difficulty in regaining his feet, and when he succeed 
his clothing was burned and scorched in many places. 

He must now lose no time in escaping from this hoi 
which would speedily be converted into a fiery furnace, j 
after rushing through the adjoining rooms, he flew dc 
stairs, and tried to open the street door; but the max 
black had locked it securely on the outside when he 


142 


THE ANGEL OF THE FELLS. 


the house, and Fabreguette must find some other way of 
escape, or perish. 

Gathering up all his courage, he rushed upstairs again, 
and entered the front room, which was already filled with 
smoke. The other two were already on fire, and the light 
from the fiames illuminated every nook and corner of the 
adjoining apartment. 

The windows were closed, and the shutters also. These 
last were fastened by a hook, which the artist succeeded in 
wrenching off, but they did not yield to his attempt to open 
them, and Fabreguette soon discovered that they were firm- 
ly nailed up. This time, his heart would have failed him, 
had he not noticed a pair of andirons in the fire-place. He 
seized one and used it as a battering-ram to burst opeii the 
shutters, which finally gave way under the violence of his 
I repeated blows. 

I To his unspeakable joy, he beheld the light of day once 
I more, and perceived that the windoAV was not more than 

I line feet from the pavement, a trifling jump for a stalwart 
|muth; and, climbing outside the window sill, he allowed 
i limself to drop gently from it to the ground below. 

i; • Clouds of smoke were by this time pouring from the 
: window, and Fabreguette, who had not lost his presence 
; 'f mind, shouted ‘CFire! Fire!^^ at the top of his lungs, 
i hen started off down the street, in order to avoid passing 
le shop of his friend, the carriage-maker, who might stop 
y im. 

Fabreguette felt no desire to relate his adventures at 
::i resent. He was anxious to reach Meriadec^s house as quick- 
' as possible, and he knew if he lingered about the burn- 
:g dwelling he would probably be accused of setting fire 
tjj • it, and be dragged off to the station house. 

The Eue de Marbeuf terminates in the Avenue de FAl- 
'i\ a, and on reaching that, he sprung into a passing omni- 
|| IS that would take him by the corner of the Eue Taranne, 
|j lich was only about two hundred yards from the barony’s 

II sidence, 

P When he reached Meriadec^s house, he was not a little 
M rprised to find the gate locked, for usually one only had 
ffi turn the knob to gain an entrance. He rang several 
H les, but the summons remained unanswered. 

K Was this a good sign? Yes, if Meriadec had gone out 

}h Hose and Sacha; and yet tlie baron^s servant ought to 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


143 


be there. While he was trying to decide upon the proba- 
ble cause of this silence^ a harsh voice cried : 

There isidt anybody at home.'’'’ 

Turnings Fabreguette saw on the other side of the street 
a cobblei% sitting in a tiny shop not much larger than a 
dog-kennel. 

The talh thin man has gone out with the pretty girl/^ 
continued the old cobbler. 

How long ago?^^ inquired Fabreguette, crossing the 
* street. 

‘ ^ About an hour and a half. 

The child went witli them, I suppose.'’^ 

No. I didn'’t see him.'’^ 

Are you sure?^'’ 

Of course I am. I'’m not blind; and I know all the 
people who live there, and the people that visit them.'’^ 

Then you know me, I suppose 

Slightly. You haven'’t visited the master long; but 
you dropped in about breakfast-time pretty steadily for a 
while. I was wondering only a little while ago why you 
hadiiT been around since day before yesterday.'’^ 

Fabreguette, though not in a very cheerful mood, could 
not help laughing at this follower of St. Crispin; and the 
idea that he might obtain some information from this 
source occurred to him. 

As you are in your shop from morning until night, 
perhaps you can tell whether your neighbor has had any 
other visitors to-day, he ventured. 

His friend took breakfast with him — the dark-com- 
plexioned fellow that stays at the hospital. He came back 
with the pretty blonde who went out very early in the 
morning. He went away again about two o'’ clock, and the 
girl about twenty minutes afterward. Finally, the baron 
went out, too. Tell me, is he really a baron ?^'’ 

Yes, as truly as you are alive. 

He don'’t look like it. A baron ought to be fat.'’^ 

Did he go without taking the child ?'’^ 

Yes, and without locking the gate; for a fellow I never 
saw before walked in afterward without saying so much as by 
your leave. The child was alone in the house, and this fel- 
low remained with him only about a quarter of an hour; 
but the others have been going and coming all the after- 
noon. The blonde returned first; then the baron came 


144 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


back. He seemed to have been running, for he was all 
out of breath; but in a few moments out he came again 
with the pretty girl, and they tore off as if they were 
almost crazy. But this time the baron locked the gate. 

Ik’s very strange, murmured Fabreguette, by no 
means reassured by this account. 

I don^t know what has been going on there for the 23ast 
three or four days; but Fm willing to bet a quart bottle of 
wine that the police have been watching the house. I^ve 
seen a detective twice hanging about in the alley at the side of 
my shop, and I am almost sure that he followed you day 
before yesterday, when you left with the young doctor.'’^ 

Fabreguette knew what to think on that point, and he 
became still more unea'sy in regard to Sacha. 

Here comes the servant nowT^ exclaimed the cobbler 
suddenly. She will open the gate for you.'’^ 

A woman had, in fact, come up the street unjDerceived 
by our friend, and was even now putting her key in the 
lock. Fabrequette ran over, told her who he was, and 
stepped into the court-yard with her. 

But he had hardly set foot in it, when he perceived the 
rope ladder dangling from Sacha^s window. To run to it, 
climb it, tear open the shutters, and leap in at the window 
was only the work of an instant, while, the stupefied serv- 
ant, who stood gazing at him from below, really believed 
that he had gone mad. 

In fact, she was so overcome with astonishment that she 
eiitirely forgot to close the gate behind her. 

A moment had scarcely elapsed when Fabreguette reaj)- 
peared at the window, shouting madly: 

He is dead! They have killed him And he began 
to come down the same way he had gone up, without notic- 
ing that the woman had darted into the street shrieking : 

‘ ^ Help ! murder ! murder 

The cobbler gave one bound out of his shop; but he could 
not suspect Fabreguette, who had just left him. It 
chanced, however, that the two policemen, who were mak- 
ing their round, reached the house just as the woman 
screamed for helj). Rushing into the court-yard, and see- 
ing a man 'coming down a rope ladder, they ran to him 
and collared him before he had set foot on the ground. He 
struggled to free himself, but they would not relax their 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 145 

hold^ nor would they listen when he tried to explain^ but 
only cried : 

To the station-house with him!^^ 

These words completed the exasperation of Fabreguette, 
who retorted: 

^‘’Yes, take me, not to the station-house, but to the 
office of a commissioner of police. I have something to 
tell him about the tragedy of Notre Dame, as well as the 
crime that has just been committed here.'’^ 

And he added mentally: 

Meriadec may do as he likes; but I have kept silence 
long enough. 


CHAPTER X. 

AfTEH his stormy interview with Jacques de Saint-Briac, 
M. de Malverne went straight home. He was still in a 
state of great excitement, and not yet entirely convinced of 
his wife^s innocence. 

He was anxious to see Odette again, and satisfy himself 
with his own eyes that she was at home. 

He found her there, doing the honors of her drawing- 
room to a few particular friends as usual. 

She received her husband in her wonted manner, re- 
proached him gently for being late, and poured out a cup 
of tea for him with her own white hands. But all her at- 
tentions and sweetness failed to dispel the cloud that dark- 
ened her husband^s face; and his evident depression of 
spirits cast a chill over the little circle, and the conversa- 
tion gradually flagged. 

But an unforeseen interruption soon put an end to a 
situation that was becoming embarrassing to all present. 

M. de Malverne^s valet entered the drawing-room, 
stepped up to his master, and said a few words in a low 
tone, whereupon that gentleman rose. 

“ Business matters pursue me even here,^^ he remarked 
coldly. Some witnesses who could not And me at the 
palace, send me word that they have brought some very 
important information. I can not defer seeing them, so I 
must ask these ladies to kindly excuse me, and you, too, 
my dear.'’^ 

No one protested against this abrupt departure, not even 
Mme. de Malverne; and the judge bowed, and left the 


146 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


room^ preceded by the servant, who seemed considerably 
surprised at his master^s words and manner. 

A servant who has lived a long while with a family has 
a pretty correct idea of what is going on in the household, 
even if he is not particularly shrewd; and this man was 
perfectly satisfied that a crisis was at hand. 

This fact was so apparent from the expression of his 
face, that M. de Malverne might have questioned him; but 
his twofold character of a magistrate and a gentleman pre- 
vented him from stooping to extort information from such a 
source 

I am going to my study,^^ he said to him. You will 
remain in the room where you took the witnesses, and I 
will ring when I am ready to see them. How many are 
there 

‘‘ Three, sir.^^ 

And one of them told you that his name was Meriadec?^^ 

The Baron Meriadec; yes, sir.'’^ 

Very well. You can show him in when I ring.'’^ 

M. de Malverne, once more transformed into the judge of 
instruction, intended to proceed exactly as he would have 
done at the palace. Seating himself in a comfortable 
arm-chair, he prepared himself to listen to this M. de 
Meriadec, whom he had nor yet seen, but whom he had ex- 
pected to examine on the morrow. 

After reflecting a few moments on the new situation, M. 
de Malverne rang, and the well-trained valet promptly 
ushered in our friend Meriadec. The magistrate pointed 
out the chair the visitor was expected to occupy, and was 
about to ask him the nature of his business, but the baron 
did not give him time to do so. 

Sir,^^ he began excitedly, I have not tlie honor of 
being known to you; but I assure you — and I can easily 
prove the truth of my words — that my life has been irre- 
proachable. 

‘‘ I am perfectly well aware of the fact,^^ replied M. de 
Malverne, courteously. 

Ah, well, I have come here to confess a grave fault — a 
fault that has been terrible in its consequences. 

The judge was not prepared for such a beginning, and 
he gazed at the baron with, an expression that was more 
astonished than severe. 

I have concealed from the authorities a fact that I 


THE ANGEL OF THE 15ELLS. 


147 


should have made known to them without a moment^ s 
delay/^ continued the baron; and the fact is this: After 
the arrest of Monsieur de Saint-Briac, whom I did not be- 
lieve guilty, I returned to the tower of Notre Dame alone, 
thinking that the real culprit might have remained there/ ^ 

And you found him?^^ asked M. de Malverne, eagerly. 

No, sir; he had had time to escape by the church roof; 
but I did find a child he had deserted after killing the 
mother.^'’ 

What are you saying 

’ The truth, sir. I should have brought this child to you 
at once; and I did, in fact, take him to the palace the 
next day. But at the door I met Monsieur de Saint-Briac, 
who had just been set at liberty, and whose innocence I was 
no longer under any obligation to prove. Then I asked 
myself what the police would be likely to do with a little 
waif of nine years, who did not know his parents^ name, 
and vvho had arrived from the heart of Eussia only the 
night before; and I finally made up my mind that I would 
keep the boy, and ferret out his mother^s murderer with 
the assistance of a couple of friends.'''’ 

A strange idea, that! You must know that no person 
has a right to usurp the place of the legal authorities in 
such matters. Your conduct has been most unjustifiable."^ 

I yielded to a hasty impulse, and I have been cruelly 
punished."" 

The only way of atoning for your fault is to surrender 
this child to the authorities at once; and I presume you 
have brought him with you. If not — "" 

‘‘ He is dead. The scoundrel who killed his mother just 
murdered him in my house."" 

M. de Malverne sprung up from his arm-chair, and 
seemed about to ring, probably for the purpose of sending 
his valet for a couple of policemen. A person who told 
such a tale as this must be a madman; that is, unless he 
had committed the murder himself. 

Meriadec understood, and begged the judge to hear him 
to the end. He related Sacha" s entire history; told him 
all that had occurred since he found the child at the foot of 
the south tower; described the visit to the morgue, the 
meeting with the murderer there, and finally the circum- 
i^tances attending the lad"s death. 

He concluded by imj)loring the magistrate to examine 


148 


THE ANf4EL OF THE BELLS. 


Eose Verdiere and Daubrac^ who were in the next room^ 
and also to question the captain, who could testify to the 
truth of the strange statements that had just been made. 
When the baron ceased speaking, the judge rose, and said 



I do not doubt your veracity, nor the excellence of 
your intentions; nevertheless, I must go without delay, and 
in company with the proper authorities, to the house wdiere 
the crime was committed. You will accompany me; and 
I can not promise to set you free after this visit. My abili- 
ty to do that will depend upon the result of tlie investiga- 
tion I am about to make. But first, there are certain 
points upon which I am anxious for you to enlighten me. 
You tell me that there is a young girl residing under your 
roof? How does she happen to be under your protection?*^ 
She has been residing there only a few days. In con- 
sequence of the crime committed upon the tower, her father, 
who was bell-ringer at Notre Dame, lost his place. On 
the day following his dismissal, he had a stroke of paraly- 
sis, and was taken to the hospital, where he just died. His 
daughter was left without a shelter, and with no means of 
support save what she earned by her trade as a maker of 
artificial flowers. I offered her a part of my house for 
which I have no use, and she accepted my offer. That is 


all.^^ 


Eose Verdiere? This name figures iq)on the list of 
witnesses I have summoned for to-morrow. 

Yes, sir. Will you do me the favor to question her 


^ Certainly, as it is of the greatest importance that she 
should tell me how she employed her time from the mo- 
ment of her departure from the house, until her return. 
Did she reach the house before you did ?^'’ 

Yes, sir. I found her there when I returned; but she 
had not discovered the child^s body. It was I who opened 
the door of the room in which he was killed. 

All these facts remain to be proved,^ ^ said the magis- 
trate, dryly. 

Nothing could be easier,^'’ replied Meriadec, surprised 
and offended at the tone of suspicion in which M. de Mal- 
verne had just spoken of the Angel of the Bells. 

You assure me that this young girl^s conduct is above ^ 
reproach,^’ continued the judge; but one can never be 


THE AHGEL OF THE FELLS. 


149 


absolutely certain in regard to such matters, nor can you 
vouch for her past. It looks badly for her that she allowed 
the assassin to ascend the tower without registering, the 
day he went there in company with his wife and this child, 
whose existence we never heard of until now.^^ 

You forget, sir, that Kose was not there when , the 
party went up into the tower. It is her father alone we 
must blame; and he has been severely punished. 

You defend her very warmly. 

As is only natural, sir. I know Mademoiselle Ver- 
diere well. I esteem and love her, and would gladly marry 
her if she would have me. 

Permit me to say that your personal sentiments are 
not to be considered in this matter. You claim that you 
know hei\ How long have you been acquainted 

Only a short time, it is true; but I know her well 
enough to understand her character. 

It is, nevertheless, my duty to inquire into her ante- 
cedents, and to gain some reliable knowledge of her present 
life. She is very pretty, I hear, so it is almost certain that 
she has a lover. 

Meriadec made an impetuous gesture; but the judge 
quietly ignored the protest, and continued, coldly: 

‘‘It maybe that this lover is in some way connected 
with the wretches who killed the mother and child — in- 
directly connected, I trust. I even admit that she may 
have assisted them in their projects without suspecting it."^ 

“ Sir!^^ exclaimed Meriadec, struggling against his ris- 
ing anger, “ you will soon admit the injustice of these sus- 
2iicions; and since you compel me to say it, I admit that 
Mademoiselle Verdiere has a lover, though not of the kind 
you seem to suppose. You can surely believe me, who love 
her and who would give all I possess to win her love in re- 
turn. But I could see that she was pleased with my friend, 
Albert Daubrac. He is young; I — 

Monsieur Daubrac is a professional man, and belongs to 
a well-to-do and respectable family^ consequently she can 
not expect that he will marry her; and if he has paid her 
any marked attentions, it certainly was not with honorable 
intentions. 

“ His heart is too noble; and he understands her worth; 
too well to have any but honorable motives. If you doubt 
what I say, ask him. He is here. 


150 


THE ANGEL OE THE BELLS. 


I will question him j)resently^ but not in your /^ro- 
tegee’ s presence. 

Meriadec was too deeply grieved and offended to reply. 
He could not understand the magistrate's manner^ and to 
tell the truths Hugh de Malvern e would have conducted the 
case very differently, had he been in his normal condition. 

Now, tell me about this artist, who has also taken 
it upon himself to usurp the functions of the legal au- 
thorities,^^ continued the magistrate, without appearing to 
notice the baron^s scornful silence. He has disappeared, 
you say?^^ 

Yes, sir. Nothing has been seen of him for two 
days. 

That means he has not visited your house for that 
length of time, probably?''^ 

He has not only ceased to visit me, but he has not been 
seen at his own home. Haubrac satisfied himself of that fact 
this morning. 

What conclusion do you draw from his mysterious dis- 
ajppearance?^^ 

That he has beeii enticed somewhere, and killed. 

A rather rash conclusion, it seems to me. The artist 
is a thorough Bohemian, who leads a very irregular life, 
according to all I hear. 

Possibly; but he seems to be an honest fellow, and very 
kind-hearted. We learned through your friend, the captain, 
that the house to which Sacha was taken on his arrival in 
Paris, was probably on the Eue de Marbeuf; and the 
230or fellow, whose conduct you censure, was going to try to 
discover the house when he left Daubrac day before yester- 
day. He probably found it, for lie lias not returned.'’^ 

M. de Malverne started violently when the captain ^s 
name was mentioned, and he now asked abruptly. 

What part has the captain taken in all this?^^ 

This question seemed very singular to Meriadec, but he 
did not know how to evade it. 

Monsieur de Saint-Briac has not taken a prominent 
part in the affair — not by any means, he stammered. I 
thought you knew him intimately; and in that case, you 
must have seen him much oftener than we have, since his 
mishap the other day.^^ 

I saw him when he came to ask me for your address/" 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 151 

replied M. de Malverne, evasively^ and I gave it to liim 
without knowing why he was so anxious to see you/'’ 

He happened to call at my house one morning when 
all my friends were assembled there — Daubrac, Fabre- 
guette^ Mademoiselle Yerdiere, and the child of the mur- 
dered woman. He began by saying that he had come to 
talk with us about the Hotre Dame atfaii% and we rejDlied 
by apologizing for the part we had taken in his arrest. He 
then asked us for a descrijDtion of the man whom Sacha 
recognized at the morgue, and whom we suspected of being 
the assassin. 

Did you give it?^^ 

Fabreguette did something better. He showed him a 
hasty portrait he had drawn of the man, and when Mon- 
sieur de Saint-Briac saw it, he exclaimed: ‘ It is he!'’ 
We begged him to explain. He refused for a while, then 
he told us that the portrait bore a striking resemblance to 
a member of the club to which he belonged — a Sj)aniard, 
or pretended Spaniard. 

‘‘ The Marquis de Pancorbo?^^ 

‘‘ Yes, that was the name, and the captain added that 
the gentlemairwas staying at the Continental.'’^ 

I know all this. But what followed?^-’ inquired the 
magistrate, impatiently. 

Afterward, Monsieur de Saint-Briac told us that hav- 
ing followed the pretended marquis one evening, when he 
left the club house, he found awaiting him, on his return 
home, an anonymous letter, threatening dire vengeance, if 
the captain ever meddled with the SpaniaixFs affairs again. 
This threat, and certain allusions in the letter proved beyond 
any possibility of doubt that the writer was the Countess 
Xenia^«^ murderer.'’^ 

With what did he threaten the captain?'^ 

He threatened to denounce him to the husband of the 
lady wh.0 went up into the tower of Notre Dame with 
him. 

What conditions did he place upon his silence?^'’ 

‘‘ I just told you. He demanded that Monsieur de 
Saint-Briac should cease to interest himself in his affairs. '’'’ 

‘‘ Did the captain consent to these conditions 

At first he seemed to prefer that we should not deliver 
the murderer up to justice; but he finally admitted that we 
must finish our work — that it would be cowardly to give up 


152 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


the fight just as we had gained the means of conquering 
our odious enemy. In fact^ he felt that he had no right to 
stop us.-^^ 

‘ ^ Did he propose to unite with you in your efforts to 
bring Monsieur de Pancorbo to justice 

No. He promised to allow us to be guided by our 
own judgment; he even promised to assist us^ but only on 
condition that we should not disclose his connection with 
us. He even did not want any one to know that he had 
been to my house. Our interview with Monsieur de Saint- 
Briac ended in this way. He has not visited me sincC;, nor 
liave any of us laid eyes on him since that day. 

You know his address^, I suppose 

“ Yes. He gave it to us so we could write to him, if 
necessary. 

And you are sure that none of your friends have been 
there, neither Monsieur Daubrac, nor the missing artist, 
nor the young lady?^^ 

Perfectly sure. If any of them had called on him, 
they certainly would have told me. Why should they de- 
sire to conceal the fact? May I venture to add, sir, that I 
fail to understand the object of all these questions?^' 

‘‘ Confine yourself to answering them, if you please. 
You seem to forget that you are here in the capacity of a 
witness. 

I certainly have not forgotten that there is the dead 
body of an unfortunate child at my house, and that his 
murderers have not yet been arrested. There is good 
reason to fear that they never will be if you defer setting 
the police upon their track. 

Do you presume to teach me my business?^^ asked the 
judge, haughtily. 

No, sir,^^ replied Meriadec, coldly. But if you have 
no more questions to ask me, I beg that you will allow me 
to retire. I must guard the body of Sacha until I can find 
an opportunity to avenge his death. 

The judge saw that he had gone too far, so he resumed in 
a more moderate tone: 

“ He shall be avenged, I promise you that; and I assure 
you that my questions are not aimless, by any means. Be- 
sides, there are only one or two more questions which I 
desire to put to you, and I trust that your answers will be 
frank and to the point. 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 


153 


Go on, sir.'’^ 

What did you and your friends think of Monsieur de 
Saint-Briac^s refusal to join you in your efforts to deliver up 
Pancorbo to justice 

W"e fancied that he was afraid he should bring down 
an injured husband^s vengeance upon the woman he adored, 
and that this consideration outweighed all others in his 
eyes.^'^ 

And you felt no desire to discover the name of this 
lady whose reputation was so dear to him?^^ 

No, sir. None of us felt any such desire. It was an 
honorable man^s secret, and one with which we had noth- 
ing, whatever, to do. If Monsieur de Saint-Briac feels that 
he can confide it to any one, it would certainly be to you, 
his most intimate friend. But pardon me for repeating 
that the examination of Monsieur de Saint-Briac is much 
less urgent than the arrest of the scoundrels who have 
already committed their second murder.''^ 

I know it, sir, but though I have finished with you, I 
have not even begun with your friends. I must give them 
a hearing now, separately, of course. Will you, therefore, 
have the goodness to step into the next room where they 
are waiting, and where you, too, can wait while I question 
them, and may I ask you to send me, first, the daughter of 
the former keeper of the tower 

This request, though politely expressed, was equivalent 
to an order, and Meriadec could only obey. So he passed 
into the adjoining room, where he found Daubrac and Rose 
Verdiere in animated conversation. He even heard the 
concluding words of a sentence that sounded very much 
like an impassioned declaration of love. 

Ah, well,^^ said Rose, as if to cut short her lover^s 
transports, ‘‘ why does the judge delay now he knows the 
truth 

I hardly know,^'’ replied Meriadec, with some embar- 
rassment. I have told him Sacha^s story, but he does 
not seem altogether satisfied, and I think he wishes to ques- 
tion each one of us separately.'’^ 

To see if we do not contradict each other, I suppose,'’'’ 
exclaimed the surgeon. Can it be that he suspects us of 
being in league with Paul Constantino witch and his band?^'’ 

Calm yourself, in Heaven'’s name! and do not speak 
so loud. The judge may hear you/^ 


154 


THE AIS^GEL OF THE BELLS. 


It^s all the same to me if he does. If he wants to 
question me, I am ready. 

The young surgeon started toward the door as he spoke, 
but Meriadec barred the way and said : 

Xo, not you. He wants Mademoiselle Yerdiere first. 

The devil! We are not at his orders, and I am go- 
ing— ^ 

I beg that you will let me pass,'’^ interrupted the young 
girl, looking earnestly at her lover. 

What, you will — 

I will resjDond to the summons of a magistrate who is 
anxious to discover the murderers of the child we both 
mourn,^"^ replied Eose, quietly. We came here to assist 
him, and not to hinder his efforts. He has a right to pro- 
ceed as he thinks fit, and as he has sent for me, I am go- 
ing.” 

Eose opened the door, entered the room, and closed the 
door after her, leaving Meriadec and Haubrac alone to- 
gether. As the reader can very readily understand, the 
young girl had had no time to change her costume, and she 
was therefore dressed exactly as when she went to the cap- 
tain^ s house. 

On seeing her, the magistrate gave a start of surprise. 

‘‘ So you are the daughter of the former keeper of the 
tower?' ^ he asked, coldly. 

Yes,^^ faltered the girl. 

And Monsieur de Saint-Briac is your lover?'’^ 

Eose, pale and trembling, averted her eyes without reply- 
ing. 

You declared as much to me at his house, not two 
hours ago. Have you forgotten the scene already 

Eose shook her head. 

I recollect it, and I can repeat all you said, and all 
that was said by the man who was once my friend. Do 
you deny it now?^^ 

I do not deny it,^^ replied the girl, after an instant^ s 
hesitation. 

Very well. We shall soon see if you spoke the truth. 
You know of what I accused Monsieur de Saint-Briac, 
do you not ?^^ 

I know that you allowed yourself to be deceived by an 
infamous accusation. You must know now who it was 
that so basely slandered Madame de Malverne, and 3^011 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


155 


also Know that you had an opportunity to see for yourself 
that she was not there/'’ 

I found you there^ and I believed yoflr statements. I 
did not know who you were then^, and I did not wonder 
that you concealed yourself when I entered^ for you gave 
me to understand that you were a married woman.'’'’ 

What difference does it make whether I was married 
or not. The effect would be the same in either case; but I 
could not allow two friends to kill each other in conse- 
quence of a misunderstanding. 

It was a very laudible sentiment that actuated you, I 
do not doubt; and I no longer doubt the truth of your 
statements, though they scarcely harmonize with the ac- 
count which Monsieur de Meriadec has just given me of 
you. One question now: How long have you known 
Jacques 

“ Jacques?'’^ repeated the girl, in utter bewilderment. 

She had no idea who was the individual referred to. The 
judge had set a trap for her; she had fallen into it, and he 
said harshly: 

‘‘ So you do not know that Jacques is Monsieur de Saint- 
Briac^s first name. That is strange, you must admit. 
Lovers are not in the habit of calling each other by their 
last name, at least not when they are alone. When did 
you see Monsieur de Saint-Briac for the first time?'’'’ 

Kose, utterly confomided, cast down her eyes, and said 
not a word. 

You do not answer. Ah, well, I will answer for you. 
You saw him first, only a few days ago, on the staircase in 
the tower of which your father had charge.^'’ 

I did see him that day, but — '’'’ 

Spare me any further falsehoods. Do not try to make 
me believe that he was your lover at the time of his arrest. 
If he had been, you would have undertaken his defense. 
You would have told who he was, and the officers would 
have seen their mistake.'’^ 

Kose burst into tears. 

I do not blame you,^^ continued M. de Malverne. I 
can even excuse you. To sacrifice one^s self for others, is 
the act of a noble soul; but devotion has its limits, espe- 
cially when it is ill-bestowed. Pause, mademoiselle, pause 
upon the brink of the abyss down which you seem about to 
plunge; think of your reputation, and of your friends, and 


156 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


do not bring down ruin upon yourself in order to defend 
persons against whom the evidence is already overwhelm- 
ing, and who can not escape punishment. 

But you would have killed them, and I wished to save 
them,^^ cried poor Rose, quite forgetting that the exclama- 
tion was almost equivalent to the confession of falsehood 
the magistrate was trying to extort from her. 

And have I not a right to kill them?^^ retorted M. de 
Malverne, fiercely. Why should I not put an end to the 
life of the unworthy creature who brings disgrace upon an 
old and honored name? Why should I not drive my sword 
through the heart of the false friend who has so shamefully 
deceived me? Do you think I am a man to drag the 
traitors into the courts and proclaim my misfortune there? 
No, mademoiselle, I am certain of their guilt, and I shall 
show them no mercy. 

But they are innocent cried the terrified girl. 

Saint-Briac is my lover, not liers.""^ 

She had been on the point of confessing all, but the 
threats of the infuriated husband checked the words that 
were upon her lips. 

So you still persist in your absurd assertion,^ ^ exclaimed 
the judge, irritated by her persistence. You forget that 
I have it in my power to summon those who will prove 
the falsity of it.-"^ 

This time Rose turned pale. She understood him. 

^ ^ Before I do that, I will give you a last opportunity to 
retract your words, continued the judge, sternly. Con- 
fess that the statement you made to me in relation to Mon- 
sieur de Saint-Briac is untrue — that you would not so de- 
ceive the kind friend who has protected you. You have not 
the assurance to persist in your declaration. I understand, 
and there is nothing left for me but to punish the two mis- 
creants as they deserve. 

They are innocent,^ ^ repeated Rose. 

Let me see if you can repeat this statement in the 
23resence of your friends. 

And without waiting for Rose to reply, Hugh de Mal- 
verne hastily filing open the door of /the room in which 
Meriadec and Daubrac were sitting. 

Step in here, gentlemen he cried. 

With pleasure, growled Daubrac, who had been in a 
fever of impatience for a quarter of an hour. 


THE AKOEL OF THE BELLS. 


157 


Here we are^, said Meriadec. 

They entered and were not a little surprised to see Rose 
Verdiere lying back in an arm-chair, pale, trembling, and 
half swooning. They both started to run to her, but the 
judge checked them with a gesture, and said, firmly: 

“ First listen to me. You are an honorable man. Mon- 
sieur Meriadec; and 3^011, also. Monsieur Daubrac. I can 
consequently speak of my position and feel sure that 3^011 
will keep my secret, at least until the denoiiement comes. 

Pardon me, sir,'’-’ interrupted the surgeon, but we 
came to inform the judge of instruction that a crime has 
been committed — 

I am no longer a judge of instruction,^^ interposed 
Malverne. ‘ ^ My resignation will be handed in this even- 
ing. I am merely a deeply injured man, who desires 
proofs of the wrong that has been done him; and these 
proofs you can furnish.'’^ 

The two friends exchanged glances. The same idea oc- 
curred to them both. They thought that M. de Malverne 
liad lost his senses; but they could not understand the 
strange manner of Rose, who seemed to be afraid to look 
her friends i]i the face. 

The facts of the case are as follows, gentlemen,^ ^ re- 
sumed the magistrate. To-day, while at my ofiice in the 
Palace of Justice, I received an anonymous letter — 

It never rains but it ^lours!^^ exclaimed Daubrac. 

The captain also received one day before yesterday.'’^ 

In this letter I was told that Monsieur de Saint-Briac. 
was my wife^s lover.'’'’ 

An atrocious calumny!'’^ exclaimed our worthy friend 
Meriadec, in perfect good faith. 

The writer added that I could easily satisfy myself of 
the truth of the accusation if I would go to the captain's 
house between three and four 0^ clock this afternoon. I 
hastened there, but found no one but Monsieur de Saint- 
Briac, though I had seen a lady enter the house. A vio- 
lent quarrel arose between me and my former friend, and 
just as we were coming to blows, this young lady emerged 
fron^the room where she had concealed herself on hearing 
my ring.^'’ 

You, Rose!^'’ exclaimed Meriadec, turning to the young 
girl. ‘‘ There must be some mistake.-’^ 


158 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


What he says is perfectly true/^ replied Eose^ in a 
choked voice. 

1 did not know mademoiselle, and she did not know 
me. You know that I was to examine her for the first 
time to-morrow. It was not until a few moments ago that 
I learned who she really is, and that she discovered I was 
the magistrate to whom the investigation of the tragedy of 
Notre Dame had been intrusted. I tell you this, gentle- 
men, in order that you may be able to clearly understand 
the situation; mademoiselle, as I said before, suddenly ap- 
peared before me, and declared that I was mistaken in my 
suspicions, and that Monsieur de Saint-Briac was her lover, 
not my wife^s.'’^ 

She said that!^^ exclaimed Daubrac, clinching his 
hands. 

She told me so; and she just repeated the statement. It 
is for this reason that I wish to subject her to a final test. 
I wish to know if she will not admit, in your presence, that 
her pretended confession was only a generous falsehood. I 
sincerely hope that she will retract her words; but whether 
she persists in her assertion or not, my mind is made up; 
and those who have deceived me shall pay dearly for their 
treachery. I am waiting, gentlemen, for one of you to 
question the young lady. 

A storm of rage and fear which threatened to burst forth 
at any instant, was rising in Daubrac^ s heart. He doubt- 
ed the woman he loved. Meriadec, greatly abashed, asked 
himself, in a perfect fever of anxiety, if he could be mis- 
taken in regard to his protegie^s real cliaracter; and poor 
Eose, compelled to choose between tho contempt of the 
man she loved, and the death of the two persoiis she had 
undertaken to defend, looked up imploringly into the faces 
of her friends. 

‘‘You hesitate, gentlemen, continued the judge, in a 
ringing voice. You hesitate because you do not wish to 
subject mademoiselle to such a cruel test; because you can 
guess that she is about to repeat her falsehood, and you 
wish to spare her the pain of saying in your presence : ^ A 
man I scarcely know is my lover; I have shamefully abused 
the hospitality of Monsieur de Meriadec; I have deceived 
Monsieur Daubrac, and I am unworthy of him — ^ 

No, no, that is not true!^^ cried Eose, conquered at 

last. 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


159 


At last!'’^ exclaimed M. de Malverne. I knew that 
the truth would be revealed sooner or later. Now I can 
punish the wretches^ and — 

He did not finish the sentence, for the door opened, and 
Mme. de Malverne appeared upon the threshold. She was 
as pale as death, but not from fear, for her eyes blazed, and 
she advanced with head haughtily erect. The artless 
Mariadec thought she had come to cast herself at her hus- 
band^s feet; but she soon undeceived him. 

I have heard all!^-’ she cried. I am one of the 
wretches you wish to punish. What are you waiting for?^'’ 

Wretched woman cried the magistrate. 

Meriadec threw himself between them, while Eose sprung 
up and ran to Daubrac, who did not repulse her. He had 
doubted her for an insfcant, and he now reproached himself 
bitterly. 

Do you think I would let this young girl sacrifice her- 
self for me?^^ cried Mme. de Malverne. On the contrary, 
I thank her for compelling me to put an end to the life of 
deceit that I abhor. I never loved you; now, I hate you! 
If I make this declaration here, in the presence of wit- 
nesses, it is only that you may be obliged to fight with the 
man I love; and if he dies, I, too, will die. 

A terrible catastro^Dhe seemed inevitable, but heaven in- 
terposed. The valet re-entered the room, and without ap- 
pearing to notice the exciting drama that was in j)rogress, 
respectfully announced to his master that the police com- 
missioner of the Notre Dame precinct was below, and 
wished to see him immediately. 

This interruption came at a most fortunate moment for 
all concerned ; even for M. de Malverne, who had the pres- 
ence of mind to reply: 

Very well. I will see him.^^ 

The official entered, evidently very ill at ease in the pres- 
ence of such a numerous company. Judges of instruction 
are not in the habit of discussing business matters before 
strangers; and here were two gentlemen and two ladies 
that the officer had never seen before. 

‘‘You can say what you have to say,^^ remarked M. de 
Malverne, brusquely. “ What is the object of your visit 

“ I wish to speak to you about a crime that seems to be 
closely connected with the Notre Dame affair, replied the 
commissioner. ‘ ‘ I consulted a colleague, and he advised 


160 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


me to see you before sending the man who has just been 
arrested, to the depot. 

Odette did not stop to listen to the explanation in which 
she took no interest whatever. She had burned her ships 
behind her, and it made no difference to her whether her 
husband discovered the murderer of the Eussian countess 
or not. She had entered to vindicate Eose Verdiere, who 
was so generously sacrificing herself for a comparative 
stranger, and not to listen to the report of a police magis- 
trate. 

To save Eose, to sever her own relations with M. de 
Malverne, in the presence of strangers, so that the rupture 
might be final, then to hasten to the man she loved and 
fiee from the country with him, this was her one thought; 
she had lost her senses completely. 

So, after the scene that had filled the hearts of the 
lookers-on with unspeakable consternation, her sole desire 
was to get away; and she quietly left the room, after ex- 
tending to Eose Verdiere a hand that she dared not refuse. 

Hugh made no attempt to detain her. What could he 
say to her in the presence of this official who, very fortu- 
nately, had not witnessed the scene? Eose and her two 
friends were present; but he could rely upon their sympa- 
thy and discretion; besides, for the time being, he almost 
forgot the traitors he was resolved to punish, and once more 
became the magistrate. 

Give me the facts, sir,^"* he said to the commissioner 
with a calmness that ' Meriadec and Daubrac could but ad- 
mire. 

The facts are as follows, replied the official. Two 
policemen while passing the corner of the Eue Cassette, 
heard an old woman crying, ^ Murder!^ They entered the 
court-yard of the house she had just left, and saw a man 
descending from a window by a rope ladder. They 
arrested him, and brought him to the station-house. There 
he told me that his name was- Jean Fabreguette.^^ 

‘^Heaven be praised! he is not dead, then,^'’ muttered 
Meriadec. 

He claims to be a friend of the master of the house, 
and declared that he had just found the dead body of a 
child in the room which he had entered by the window. I 
thought at first that he must be crazy; and I am not quite 


THE AHGEL OF THE FELT.Si. 1(11 

satisfied on tliat j)omt even jet; he tells sueli a very ex- 
traordinary story/^ 

Wliat did you do with him?^^ interru2)ted M. de Mal- 
verne. 

As I had the honor to tell you, sir, I took him to the 
office of one of my colleagues, who questioned him, and 
who thinks that the man is telling the truth. Besides, 
there is nothing to prove that he is- the person who com- 
mitted the murder on the Eue Cassette, so I took the lib- 
erty of bringing him to you. 

Then he is below 

Yes, in a carriage, guarded by two policemen.'^ 

Very well. Bring him up.^^ 

The commissioner left the room; and M. de Malverne, 
after requesting Eose and her friends to remain, said to 
them rather curtly: 

I shall not send in my resignation to-day. I wish to 
finish with the traitors. You will aid me and keep silence, 
I am sure.^^ 

Yo one uttered a word. Daubrac and Meriadec under- 
stood that this was no time for talk; and Eose was too 
deeply concerned in regard to the fate of the unhappy wife. 

Fabreguette was ushered in by the commissioner. He 
was in a pitiable plight, truly. He was bareheaded, his 
hair was disheveled, and his clothing torn and burned in 
many places. He took no notice whatever of his friends, 
being deeply incensed against them for their desertion of 
him, and for having allowed Sacha to be killed. He im- 
mediately began an account of his unfortunate adventure, 
without omitting anything, or making any attempt to dis- 
guise the truth. He did not even conceal the fact that the 
house on the Eue de Marbeuf was burning at that very 
momont, and that it was he who had set it on fire. No 
one interrupted him ; but when he had finished, M. de 
Malverne said : 

‘‘You are released, sir; but I must ask you to accom- 
pany the commissioner, who is going straight to Monsieur 
de Meriadec^s house. These gentlemen are also going, in 
company with Mademoiselle Verdiere; and I would like 
them to wait for me there. I will join you in half an 
hour.^-^ 

There was nothing to do but obey. Tlie commissioner 
could not venture'to question an order given by a judge of 


1 C )2 akgel of the bells. 

instruction; and the others supposed that M. de Malverne 
wished to have an explanation with his wife. 

But they were mistaken. Hugh de Malverne was re- 
solved to fulfill the duties of a magistrate first of all; be- 
sides, he had not fully decided how he should aveiige his 
wrong. 

Before coming to a decision, he resolved to merely give 
his wife orders to await his return, and then to hasten to 
Meriadec^s house. In this way he would secure a few 
hours for reflection, of which he certainly stood greatly in 
need, for he was so terribly excited that any attempt to 
reason was an utter impossibility. 

He rang for his valet, with the intention of sending him 
to tell Odette that he wished to see her, and was not a little 
surprised to learn that she had just left the house on foot, 
though the coupe was harnessed ready for use. He thought 
it quite possible that she had gone to confide the situation 
of affairs to the captain, and a wild desire to kill them both 
surged up in his heart. But vengeance is a dish that 
should be eaten cold, at least in the opinion of C^sar Bor- 
gia, who certainly ought to know whereof he spoke ; and M. 
de Malverne resolved to postpone his until the morrow. 
They were waiting for him on the Eue Cassette, and he 
hastened there without further delay. 


CHAPTEE XL 

Aftee the departure of his friend Hugh, the captain, 
crushed beneath the weight of his remorse, sat for an hour 
silent and motionless, revolving different plans of suicide 
in his mind, and scarcely daring to face the terrible situa- 
tion in which a guilty love had placed him. How should 
he escape from it? By committing suicide, he could ex- 
tricate himself, but what would become of his accomplice? 

Flee with Odette, leave France forever to conceal them- 
selves in a foreign land, he, a brave officer who had never 
recoiled in the presence of danger, or from the fulfillment 
of a duty! It seemed to him that^his would be cowardice. 

Perhaps, too, though he scarcely admitted it to himself, 
his feeling for Odette had changed. The scales had fallen 
from his eyes; and he saw her as she really was. He real- 
ized, too, the sinfulness of his own conduct. Passion had 


THE AHGEL OE THE BELLS. 1(>J 

blinded them both to such a degree as to make them forget 
that their love was a crime; but on the day of his arrest, 
Jacques for the first time beheld his conduct toward his 
friend in its true light. 

These bitter truths were now clearly apparent to the un- 
fortunate captain, and he could see no other alternative 
than an immediate departure. To leave France alone, 
and leave immediately, under any pretext whatsoever, and 
inform flugh of this departure, without telling him wher^ 
he was going, this would be the wisest course to pursue. 
The pretext was easily found. He could write to Hugh 
that he was going away in order to put an end to a false 
situation, and to give him time to become satisfied of the 
fact that his suspicions were groundless. Hugh certainly 
could not take offense at this resolve on the part of his 
friend; and Odette certainly could not fail to understand 
that all was over between them. A six months^ separation 
would cure her of her infatuation, and she could not be 
foolish enough to attempt to rejoin him, as she would not 
know ^vhere he was. 

Where should he go? He thought first of Italy; but 
Italy was too near. Why not Eussia? There he could 
make some inquiries in regard to Sacha^s mother, and the 
man who was now figuring in Paris as a titled Spaniard, 
though he probably belonged to no particular country, but 
was a scoundrel everywhere, a citizen nowhere. 

He therefore decided upon a trip to Moscow, and re- 
sold ed to start on the evening of the following day. In 
fact, he would have gone sooner, on Odette^s account; but 
he had some business arrangements to make with his 
banker, and he could not cross the Kussian frontier whii- 
out a passport. 

It was too late for him to attend to these indispensable 
preparations that day; but he felt a longing to get out of 
the house, which now seemed so full of unpleasant associa- 
tions; so he went out, after telling his valet, who had just 
returned, not to wait for him. 

He little suspected that at the very time he was walking 
up the Avenue d^Antin, M. de Malverne was just starting 
out to investigate Sacha'’ s murder, and that Mme. de Mal- 
verne had left her home with the firm determination never 
to return. She was even then hastening to implore the 
protection of the man she loved; and if he had walked up 


164 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


the Avenue des Champs Ely sees as usual^ he would cer- 
tainly have met her. 

But Saint-Briac longed for solitude; so choosing the 
quay for his promenade^ he walked straight on^ without 
knowing or caring ‘where he was going. Lost in thought, 
he walked on and on, until he reached the Pont de Bercy, 
only a short distance from the fortifications; but night 
was fast approaching, and not caring to go beyond the city 
limits, he took a carriage and ordered the driver to take 
him to the club, which he reached just at dinner time. 

He took a seat at the table and ate his dinner without 
addressing a word to his neighbors; then, instead of going 
into the grand salon for his coffee, as usual, he went into 
the reading-room, where he began his letter to Malverne. 

The composition of this epistle was no very easy matter, 
and consumed a good deal of time. When it was conclud- 
ed, he placed it in his note-case with the intention of post- 
ing it the next evening when he took the train for Berlin. 

I will drop it in the letter-box at the depot, he said to 
himself, “ and when Hugh receives it, I shall have passed 
the frontier.^'’ 

After this, he stretched himself out on a sofa in the least 
frequented room of the club, and tried to sleep, in order to 
obtain some rest after this prolonged strain upon his nerves, 
and his long walk. But sleep would not come for a long 
time, and when it did, it was a troubled slumber in which 
one frightful nightmare succeeded another until a friend, 
who happened to be passing, woke him and said: 

What are you thinking of, to lie snoring here when a 
grand game of baccarat is going on in the green-room. 
Monsieur de Pancorbo, who is acting as banker, has been 
asking everybody about you. He seems to miss you. 

Pancorbo repeated the captain, springing up sud- 
denly. What! is he here?^^ 

Yes,^^ was the tranquil reply. After midnight is his 
favorite time.'’^ 

I heard that he had left Paris. 

Your informant was mistaken, then. He hasiiT been 
here for two or three days; but he re-appeared this evening 
in better spirits than ever, and more lucky, if that could 
be possible. 

And you say he has been inquiring for me?"’ i]K|uired 
Haint-Briac, greatly astonished. 


TPIE ANGEL OF THE BELLS. 165 

Yes, of everybody. He probably wants to take ad- 
vantage of bis good luck to win a large amount of money 
from you. He has raked in enough already, however, for 
he is in a fair way to ruin a millionaire who was admitted 
to the club last week — a Brazilian. Hon^’t play unless you 
are in the humor; but go in and watch the game. It is 
well worth seeing. 

The captain, who was only half awake, thought he must 
still be dreaming. 

What time is it?^^ he asked, rubbing his eyes. 

After three o^ clock. You sleep, you do, when you 
set about it. You stretched yourself out here soon after 
dinner, and if I had not shaken you, you would still be in 
the land of dreams. You have had a pretty fair night^s 
rest now, and I can^’t think that you have any desire to go 
to sleep again. The time is propitious, for the game is 
nearly over. It is very different with me. I have just lost 
my last penny, and so have had enough of it. Good-night, 
captain, and good luck to you.'’^ 

Saint-Briac was amazed beyond expression. How dared 
this wretch, so nearly convicted of murder, show himself at 
the club; and, above all, how dared_ he make inquiries 
about a man against whom he had declared war first by an 
anonymous letter, and afterward by a most atrocious plot? 

But on reflection, the captain perceived that the pretend- 
ed Spaniard* ran very little risk in returning to try his luck 
at baccarat once more. It was probably for the last time, 
and there was nothing to prevent him from disappearing 
altogether after the game was concluded. And what could 
Saint-Briac do to injure this man? What positive proofs 
were there that he was the assassin of Notre Dame? None 
whatever. Mere suspicions are nothing when one has no 
authority to arrest the suspected party. 

M. de Malverne, alone, could assume the responsibility 
of sending him to prison, and M. de Malverne was not 
here. Besides, M. de Malverne^ s mind was occupied by 
other matters than the avengiiig of the Eussian lady^s 
death; and Saint-Briac must therefore depend entirely 
upon himself if he proposed to punish the cowardly scoun- 
drel who had denounced Odette. 

Ah, well, so be it,^'’ he muttered. I still have a few 
liours at my disposal before leaving Paris. I will devote 


166 


THE AXGEL OF THE BELLS. 


them to tracking this villain; and if I once get him in my 
power, I will not let go my hold until I have placed him in 
the custody of the police. So long as he plays I will play; 
and when lie leaves the club I will dog his footsteps. He 
will be almost sure to demand an explanation, and then 
we will see, for it would afford me even greater pleasure to 
kill him than to deliver him up to justice.^^ 

Having made this bold, though by no means sensible re- 
solve, he, proceeded to the green-room, where he found 
Pancorbo seated among the players. He was not acting as 
banker, now; the Brazilian had superseded him; but he 
was l)etting heavily, and fortune did not seem to smile 
upon him, for he had just lost a large sum. 

Saint-Briac stationed himself opposite him, on the other 
side of the table, declining an offer of a seat in order that 
he might be able to leave the table as soon as the pretended 
Spaniard should rise from it. That gentleman seemed to 
have no immediate intention of doing so, however, for he 
had just pushed forward a goodly pile of chi^DS. The at- 
tention he bestowed upon the game did not prevent him 
from seeing what was going on around him, however. He 
perceived the captain almost instantly, and had the assur- 
ance to favor him with a bow, which was not returned, it 
is needless to say. 

But though Saint-Briac had no intention of indulging in 
any interchange of courtesies with the scoundrel, he was 
equally averse to leading any one to suppose that he had 
come there to watch him, so he drew a thousand franc note 
from his wallet, and staked it upon the left. He won; and 
M. de Pancorbo, who had bet heavily upon the right; lost. 
The game continued with varying results, but fortune re- 
mained faithful to the captain, in the main, and seemed 
to have turned her back ujDon the pretended Castilian, who 
seemed to bear his losses very philosophically, however. So, 
when the captain gave the signal for a retreat at about 
nine o^ clock in the morning, M. de Pancorbo, who had lost 
at least fifty thousand francs, and whose supply of avail- 
able funds seemed to be exhausted, also decided to abandon 
the contest. 

Saint-Briac, who did not lose sight of him for an instant, 
heard him call a sleepy valet and order a cup of bouillon. 
The captain immediately ordered a cup of chocolate to be 
served at a small table only a couple of yards from M. de 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 167 

Pancorbo, who showed no desire to avoid Saint-Briac^s com- 
pany. He even addressed him first. 

1 have not been very fortunate to-night/^ he remarked, 
smiling, ‘ ^ but I was delighted to see you a winner. May 
I venture to mquire the amount of your gains 

The question was impertinent enough in itself; but this 
familiar manner of renewing relations with an open enemy 
was certainly the height of impudence. Still, the moment 
for which Saint-Briac was waiting had not yet come. All 
the players had not gone. Some few were still groujped in 
a corner of the room talking over the events of the evening 
as soldiers gather about a camp-fire and talk on the evening 
after an important battle. 

‘ ^ I should say that you must have won at least fifty 
thousand francs, continued M. de Pancorbo, coolly. 

Fifty-five thousand,^ ^ replied the captain, without 
evincing the slightest surprise at the question. 

A very nice little windfall; and you were very fortun- 
ate to receive cash. By the way, have you any of my 
notes 

Xot a single one."^^ 

I am sorry. I should be glad to have you for a cred- 
itor. 

And why, if I may askF^^ 

Because I should meet my obligations in person, and 
should take advantage of the opportunity to have an ex- 
planation with you. 

^ ^ It is not necessary to come to my house for that. 

It is a difficult matter to have any private conversa- 
tion here. We are not alone. 

We shall be in an instant. See!^^ 

The group was, in fact, dispersing; and in a minute or 
two there were but two gentlemen left, and they were slow- 
ly making their way toward the door, discussing some point 
in the game as they sauntered along. In the meantime 
the footmen had raised the curtains, and the clear light 
of a beautiful spring morning was now streaming into the 
room. 

Open the window, too!^^ cried M. de Pancorbo. It 
is intolerably warm here; and it is time to admit a little 
fresh air.^^ 

The suggestion was a most welcome one to Saint-Briac, 
for the atmosphere was impregnated with the smoke of the 


168 THE AKGEL OE THE BELLB. 

innumerable cigars that had been consumed during the 
memorable game which had lasted fully ten hours. 

You can speak now/'’ remarked the captain. What 
do you want to say to me?^'’ 

I must ask, first, whether I have to deal with a friend 
or an enemy. 

With an enemy, as you knov^^ perfectly well.^^ 

I suspected as much; but I was anxious to hear you 
i say so. Now I feel more free to ask you to put an end to 
I a state of things that is extremely disagreeable to both of 
us.^^ 

Put an end to this state of things, indeed!'’^ exclaimed 
the captain, exasperated beyond endurance by this marvel- 
ous assurance. It is you that I am resolved to put an 
end to.'’^ 

What do you mean by that?^'’ asked the pretended 
Spaniard, coolly. 

You know perfectly well. I intend to suppress you.'’'’ 

In what way, may I ask?^'’ 

By delivering you up to justice, which will make you 
answer for your many crimes."^ 

You mean for the death of the woman who was throwii 
from one of the towers of Notre Dame, I suppose? So you 
still believe that I am the person who committed the 
crime 

^ ^ I have proofs of it. 

You surprise me. Still, I understand the cause of 
your error. You received a letter from me which you re- 
gard as a proof. In this letter I threatened to denounce 
you to Monsieur de Malverne if you continued to jday the 
spy; and from this you concluded that I was the man you 
were seeking. Permit me to say that this was a very rash 
conclusion on your part. I have my secrets, it is true, and 
I do not care to have jjeople dogging my footsteps; but all 
this does not prove that I am an assassin.'’'’ 

What are you, then?^'’ 

A conspirator, simply. I left Spain in consequence of 
certain political events, and I am anxious to return to my 
native land. Consequently I am trying to overthrow the 
government that exiled me; and I am on the eve of suc- 
cess. Everything is in readiness for the revolution which 
I have planned in Paris, and which will speedily make itself 
felt in Madrid; so speedily, in fact, that I exjject to leave 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


169 


France this evening and cross the P3n*ennees to-morrow to 
place myself at the head of the movement. Had you de- 
nounced me, I should, perhaps, have been arrested by the 
French authorities, and all my carefully laid plans would, 
in that case, have come to naiight; but I should not have 
had the slightest difficulty in proving that I was in no way 
connected with the crime of Notre Dame. Now, having 
no further need to exercise caution, I, can throw off the veil 
of mystery that has enshrouded my life ever since my ar- 
rival in Paris. I can reveal my real name, and bring for- 
ward twenty witnesses to vouch for the truth of my state- 
ments. Consequently, I advise you not to put your threats 
into execution, for you would only create a scandal which 
it would be greatly to your interest to avoid. 

But you wrote to Monsieur de Malverne; and I have 
nothing more to lose now.'’^ 

I did write to him, I admit; and I am very sorry that 
I was obliged to resort to such measures; but you com- 
pelled me to do it. I had you watched, and learned that 
you had entered into a league against me — a league headed 
by a sort of Don Quixote or lunatic. I was obliged to nij) 
this scheme in the bud; and it was upon you that the pun- 
ishment fell. You suffered for them. I am sorry for it, 
but I wanted to disgust you with waging war ui^on me. 
The salvation of my country, and the lives of many brave 
men, my political allies, were at stake. 

Then you confess that you were the writer of the 
anonymous letter Monsieur de Malverne received yester- 
day?^^ 

The same. I know, too, that he went to your house; 
but I am ignorant of what passed between you there. It 
can have been nothing of a very serious nature, as you just 
spent the night at the card-table; so I need feel no very 
deep remorse for the fright I gave you. But you will never 
forgive me for what I have done, and I, for my part, can 
no longer trust you; so it is necessary that one of us should 
disappear.^"’ 

Is it a duel you propose ?^^ 

Yes, for want of some better way out of the difficulty; 
and I intend to leave Paris this evening. 

I, too, intend to leave this evening.'’^ 

We might arrange to meet on foreign soil; but that 
would be useless; for, once out of France, we should have 


170 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


nothing to fear from each other. Besides, we are not 
bound for the same country, I suppose. ^ ^ 

I am going to Eussia.'’^ 

In search of the assassin of Notre Dame, doubtless,'’^ 
sneered M. de Pancorbo. I sincerely hope that you may 
find him; but, as I am under no obligation to take your 
word, I would like to settle our little account immediately.'’^ 
And I, too,^^ retorted the captain. 

But here lies the difficulty. To fight a duel, one must 
have seconds; and, under the circumstances, we should 
have some difficulty in finding them.'’^ 

We can dispense with them.'’'’ 

If that is your opinion, there is nothing to prevent our 
ending the affair this morning. I even think that it would 
be well for us not to separate until we have settled the mat- 
ter. You distrust me, and I distrust you; and if we part- 
ed, each of us would feel sure that the other was plotting 
some treachery. The question of weapons remains to be 
decided. We can go out together to purchase them. I 
have a revolver with me, but — '’'’ 

And so have I.^^ 

Ah, well. Why, it is of exactly the same caliber as 
mine — exactly the same,^'’ said Pancorbo, after compar- 
ing the two weapons, which both men had drawn from 
their pockets with an almost simultaneous movement. 

Six shooters both of them, and of exactly the same size. 
All the revolvers that Parisian gun-smiths sell are of pre- 
cisely the same pattern. Now, where shall we fight 

That makes very little difference to me, provided we 
fight to the death, said Saint-Briac, seized with a cold 
rage, and resolved to end the matter at any cost. 

That is understood, of course,^ ^ replied M. de Pan- 
corbo. One of us must vanish from the face of the 
earth. Otherwise, it would not be worth while to fight at 
all. But to return to my question: Where shall we fight? 
The suburbs of Paris are so much frequented, especially at 
this season of the year, that we might walk about for hours 
before we could find a suitable place; and neither you nor 
I have any time to lose, so we must go further.’’^ 

Or else nearer. In a private house; in my house, for 
instance.'’^ 

I do not suppose there is any room forty feet, or even 
thirty feet long, in your house; besides, you have servants 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


171 


who, at the sound of the very first shot, would rush out in 
search of the police. What I want, is a place where we 
should be entirely alone, and where we should be in no 
danger of arrest by too zealous officials. An idea occurs to 
me, suggested, doubtless, by the history of the crime of 
which you so unjustly accuse me.^^ 

I do not understand you/’ 

The woman you wish to avenge was thrown, you pre- 
tend, from the top of one of the lowers of Notre Dame, 
and no one came to disturb the assassin, as he was able to 
make his escape before any one could get there to arrest 
him. What do you say to a duel at the same place 

I think that would be an impossibility. You would 
not find it a suitable place by any means. In the first 
place, there is free access to the tower at any and all times, 
on payment of a few sous; and we should be sure to be 
preceded and followed by visitors; besides, the platform 
that surmounts the tower is no larger than an ordinary 
room.^^ 

I know nothing about that; but we should not have to 
climb way up there. What I propose is a duel after the 
Indian fashion; and the gallery at the base of the towers 
would answer finely for that. Each of us can take his 
stand at one end of the gallery that extends under the rose 
window, and advance upon his adversary. At that height, 
the sound of a pistol-shot would be lost in space; and 
passers-by in the square below would hear nothing. ^ ^ 

Saint-Briac was an impulsive man, and very easily infiu- 
enced, and for some seconds he had been wondering if this 
man was not really a Spaniard and a conspirator whom 
Meriadec and his friends had mistaken for the murderer of 
the countess. 

He was ignorant of the recent crimes of the person ac- 
cused, for he had not heard of Sacha^s murder, nor of 
Fabreguette^s imprisonment. The anonymous letter ad- 
dressed to M. de Malverne might have been written by M. 
de Pancorbo to rid himself of a gentleman who was inter- 
fering with the writer^ s political schemes. In this way, 
Saint-Briac'^s imagination led him to forget the facts that 
convicted this scoundrel beyond any possibility of doubt; 
besides, the singular conditions of this proposed duel pleased 
him. 

A hostile meeting was inevitable, since Pancorbo avowed 


172 


tht: akgel of the eeler. 

himself tlie writer of the letter; besides^ what the captain 
desired above all else was to kill his enemy, or be killed 
himself as soon as jDOSsible. 

‘‘ Very well^ we will try it/^ said he^, and if we find 
the place taken^ we can fight somewhere else/^ 

Then come, sir,^^ replied M. de Pancorbo, rising. 

As it has been decided that we are to go together, we had 
better take a carriage in order to reach oiir destination as 
soon as possible. 

This arrangement suited Saint-Briac. His distrust was 
not entirely dispelled, and he wished to prevent his enemy 
from communicating with any auxiliary. 

The captain watched his com23anion closely as they de- 
scended the staircase, but he could detect no gesture ad- 
dressed to the footmen who were yawning in the vestibule, 
nor did he see any suspicious-looking person in the street. 

There were plenty of carriages in front of the club door. 
They chose one; and M. de Pancorbo told the coachman to 
take them to the intersection of the Rue Parvis and the 
Rue d^Arcole. This was the very spot where Sacha had 
alighted from the carriage with his mother, on the day of 
the crime; but the captain, who was ignorant of this fact, 
did not remark the coincidence. They soon reached the 
place indicated, and when they alighted, M. de Pancorbo 
dismissed the carriage. 

This is contrary to custom,^ ^ he remarked, smiling. 

A carriage is generally retained to carry away the 
wounded, but that is not necessary in this case, for there 
will be only a dead man.^'’ 

Or two dead men,^^ corrected the captain, with a 
searching look at his adversary. 

Let us hope that one of us will survive. But however 
the affair may end, let us make haste. I see no one either 
in the gallery or in the tower, so let us take advantage of 
the opportunity.'’^ 

They walked straight to the entrance, began the ascent 
of the winding staircase, and soon reached the grating, 
which was closed. The new keeper promptly appeared, 
in answer to the bell, and received them more politely than 
the late Verdiere would have done. 

You are very welcome, gentlemen,^ ^ he said, as he 
pocketed the customary fee. I have been in charge here 
three days, and it was not until yesterday that the au- 


I-'HE AKUEL OF TIIF BELLS. 


17H 

tliorities repealed tlie order forbidding any one to ascend the 
tower. This order was given on account of the unfortunate 
alfair that occurred here a few days ago, and only this 
morning I was notified that the judge of instruction would 
come here to-day to visit the south tower. I was ordered 
to keep the grating closed to everybody after eleven o^ clock, 
but now it is only ten. You, gentlemen, were wise to come 
early, for the air is very clear, and you can enjoy the view 
unditurbed.-'^ 

M. de Pancorbo rewarded his informant with a piece of 
silver. The news seemed to please him; but it was far 
from gratifying to Saint-Briac, who was not inclined to run 
any risk of finding himseK face to face with M. de Mal- 
verne. But the die was cast. Besides, the duel could not 
last long, and Hugh never went to the palace until after 
breakfast. 

When he arrives,^'’ the captain said to himself, he 
will fi.nd the dead body of Odette^ s defamer or mine. If I 
am killed he will perhaps forgive her who survives me; and 
if I kill this man, he will never hear of me again. 

Pass up first, sir,^^ said Saint-Briac. 

Do you insist upon giving place to me?^^ inquired the 
so-called Marquis de Pancorbo, sneeringly. 

Absolutely. 

As you please, I am not afraid. 

The pretended Spaniard knew perfectly well that the 
captain was afraid of being attacked from behind as he 
ascended the stairs, but he knew perfectly well that the 
captain would scorn to -take such a treacherous advantage 
of him, so he did not object to passing up first. 

The keeper had returned to his lodge without troubling 
himself any further about them, so when they reached the 
gallery, there was nothing for them to do but decide upon 
tiie conditions of the duel. This did not take long. 

It is understood, said Pancorbo, that each of us has 
a right to fire until his revolver is empty — six shots in suc- 
cession, consequently. The firing is to be at will, and any 
ruse IS permissible. As to the choice of places, we will 
draw lots for that, if you prefer. 

I will allow you to choose, replied the captain 

Then I will choose the end next the south tower, the 
tower where the murder was committed, if I remember 
rightly. You can remain here, while I cross the gallery. 


174 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


When I reach the other encl^ you can give the signal by 
raising your revolver in the aii% with the barrel pointed up- 
ward. I will repeat the gesture, and we shall then be at 
liberty to begin firing. Is this agreeable to you?^^ 
Perfectly. Proceed, sir.'''’ 

The pretended conspirator started to cross the gallery, 
taking good care to walk backward, so as not to lose sight 
of his ^versary, who had not the slightest intention of 
abusing his power, however. 

Saint-Briac could not behold, without deep emotion, the 
gallery which he had visited with Mme. de Malverne; and 
his eyes instinctively turned to the place where she was 
leaning when the wind blew away her veil. Their mis- 
fortunes had begun here. 

A strange fatality had brought him back here once more, 
and death had no terrors for him now, provided he could 
first kill the scoundrel who had brought all this misery 
upon them. 

The captain, energetically repelling these sad memories, 
gave the required signal, but he had scarcely done so when 
he lost sight of his opponent, who had instantly concealed 
himself behind a projecting angle. Saint-Briac imitated 
this maneuver, and asked himself how he should manage 
to attack his opponent without exposing himself. 

The safest plan was evidently to remain in ambush, and 
wait for his adversary to show himself; but if the pretended 
Spaniard adopted the same plan, an exchange of shots 
would never take place. 

Moreover, a man of Saint-Briac^s temperament was not 
likely to resort to a course of temporizing that would ex- 
pose him to any risk of being surprised by M. de Malverne, 
whose speedy arrival, accompanied by all the pomp and 
circumstance of an official visit, was almost certain. 

We should have done much better to station ourselves 
fifteen paces from each other and fire until one of us was 
killed,^" thought the captain. I want to end the matter, 
and I am going to advance. To fire at me, he will have to 
show himself, and then the best shot of the two will be the 
victor."'’ 

Before he stepped from his place of concealment, he 
satisfied himself that the six cartridges were in their barrels, 
and that the trigger worked easily. These precautions 
taken, he began the circuit of the massive base of the north 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


175 


tower. His plan was to rush out from the side next to the 
nave, dart across the gallery and attack Pancorbo in the 
niche where he had taken refuge, so he hastened on with a 
stealthy, wolf -like step; but unfortunately, he did not think 
of looking behind him. 

The very same plan had occurred to the Spaniard. He 
had emerged from his hiding-place, and abandoning the 
protecting shelter of the south tower, he darted across the 
gallery that extends along underneath the rose-window, 
and, revolver in hand, safely reached the spot the captain 
had just left. Not finding him there, he understood, and 
followed him. 

Saint-Briac before starting to cross the gallery, paused 
for an instant to satisfy himself that his enemy was not 
watching him from behind some projecting corner, and 
this delay, short as it was, proved fatal to him. Pancorbo 
fired, almost within an arm^s length of his opponent, and 
killed him instantly with a bullet that shattered his sj^inal 
column. 

The unfortunate captain fell face downward, and his 
murderer lost no time in robbing him of the money won at 
the card-table during the preceding night. It was only to 
rob him that he had proposed this strange duel. Fifty 
thousand francs would not be a bad thing to take away 
with him when he left France never to return. There was 
nothing to keep him there, now; all his atrocious plans had 
been accomplished. His vile accomplice had already 
crossed the frontier, and there was nothing to prevent him 
from doing the same that very night. 

He searched the pockets of the dead man, appropriated 
the purse containing the bank notes, and ran to the stair- 
case. He knew that the magistrate would soon arrive, and 
he had no desire to be caught in the act. The whole affair 
had not taken ten minutes, consequently the survivor miglit 
reasonably hope to escape from the building without any 
difficulty, and once on the street, he would have nothing 
more to fear, for all the preparations had been made for 
his departure. 

He glided softly down the narrow staircase, but he had 
gone only a few steps when he heard voices and footsteps 
below. He paused to listen, and soon discovered that 
several persons were coming up. He instantly abandoned 
all idea of continuing his descent, for these people, whoever 


176 


THE AHGEL OF THE BELLS. 


they might he^ would he sure to see the captain^s body in 
the gallery, and instantly divining that the man they had 
just met was the murderer, they would start in pursuit of 
him. 

Consequently, it would be much more prudent to turn 
back, and endeavor to make his escape by some other way. 
He knew one that had already served him well when he 
attempted to escape, after he had thrown the countess from 
the south tower — a perilous way it was, but it led to an- 
other staircase, and he had no choice now, so he ran to the 
place where, by scaling the balustrade, he could drop down 
upon a sloping portion of the roof. 

He was playing his last card. He had succeeded in 
everything thus far. His audacity and crafty maneuvers 
had freed him from all who had declared war against him. 
He had just treacherously killed the most dangerous of all 
his enemies, and he was about to leave France laden with 
the S 2 )oils of his victims. He had only to make a quick 
leap, and a careful leap, before the arrival of the persons 
he heard coming up, and all would be well. 

All this passed through the scoundrers mind in much 
less time than it takes to write it; and running nimbly to 
the balustrade, he leaned over it, to measure the distance. 
He was still in this position when Meriadec, Daubrac, and 
Fabreguette reached the gallery. 

M. de Malverne had expressed a desire to visit the towers, 
the scene of the late tragedy, the evening before, and had 
invited the three friends to accom23any him; and, as the 
keeper had stated, the hour apjDointed was eleven o'clock. 

So the baron and his friends had met at Daubrac' s rooms 
in the hospital, at ten o'clock that morning to take break- 
fast with him, and there await the judge's arrival at the 
church. All three happened to be looking out of the same 
window from which the surgeon and Meriadec had seen the 
veiled lady cross the square on the arm of a handsome gen- 
tleman they did not know; but this time, it was Fabre- 
guette who saw the captain and M.- de Pancorbo alighting 
from a carriage at the corner of the Eue d'Arcole, and who 
pointed them out to his companions. They saw the two 
men proceed in the direction of the church, and without 
trying to decide what had brought them there, they hast- 
ened out to overtake them. 

But unfortmiately, before reaching the square, they had 


THE AKGEL OF THE BELLS. 


177 


to descend at least eighty steps^ and the baron^ whom his 
companions were unwilling to desert, no longer possessed 
the agility of twenty summers. 

When they reached the staircase of the tower, the persons 
they were pursuing had already reached the gallery. A 
short time was also wasted in arguing with the keeper, who 
at first refused to let them pass, but who was finally 
brought to terms by the gift of a five franc piece from 
Meriadec. 

But on reaching the gallery, Fabreguette, who was a 
little in advance of the others, instantly perceived the cap- 
taint’s body, which was lying face downward, at the foot of 
the north tower. To hasten to it, and raise it, was the 
work of but an instant. Meriadec and Daubrac, who 
reached it almost at the same moment, knelt to examine 
the wound of their unfortunate ally, and perceived that 
life was extinct. 

He shot him from behind, the coward cried Fabre- 
guette. 

“ And yet, the captain evidently came here to fight a 
duel,'’' muttered Meriadec. See, his revolver is still m 
his right hand.'’^ 

Daubrac rose, took up the pistol, satisfied himself that it 
had not been fired, and said, with suppressed rage : 

Now, gentlemen, we must see to it that the scoundrel 
does not escape. He has not gone down, or we should have 
met him on the staircase, so he can not be far 

Unless he hastened to the platform above when he 
heard us coming up.'’^ 

Ah, well, we will follow him, then. I ask to be 
allowed to go first. I am armed, and if he should take it 
into his head to shoot, I have it in my power to retaliate.'’^ 

Meriadec said nothing, but he was beginning to recall 
that on the day of the preceding crime, the assassin had dis- 
covered a way to escape without descending the tower stair- 
case. 

While they were hesitating, Pancorbo had climbed the 
balustrade, and after clinging to it for an instant with both 
hands, had succeeded in leaping astride the stone ridge of 
the roof which here slanted sharply to the hollow at the 
base of the south tower. The wretch said to himself : 

While they are ascending the bell tower, I can slide 
down the roof, and before they i^each the platform, I shall 


178 


HE AIS’GEL OF THE BELLS. 


reach the little door leading to the staircase that ends just 
behind the choir. I shall escape again to-day, and as I 
shall be out of France before to-morrow morning, the judge 
will have his labor for his pains. 

Don^t let us waste any more time here,'’^ cried Dau- 
brac, who was still at the north end of the gallery. The 
first thing to be done is to station a guard at the foot of 
the stairs we just climbed. You, Meriadec, will do me the 
favor to stand guard at the door below while Fabreguette 
and I begin our hunt after the assassin.'’'’ 

‘‘Begin by searching this gallery, particularly the side 
next the nave,'’'’ replied Meriadec, starting for his post. 

The surgeon and Fabreguette followed this advice. They 
advanced as far as the south tower, carefully scrutinizing 
that portion of the roof where the tanks are located; and 
when they returned to examine the roof of the nave, they 
paused directly above the place where the assassin was 
perched. 

They did not see him, but he saw them and recognized 
them. Then a fierce struggle ensued in the scoundreFs 
brain. He realized that he would be lost if they should 
discover him, and said to himself that if he could kill them, 
he was saved. He had his revolver in his pocket, and the 
heads of his two enemies formed two capital targets only 
about six feet above him. He could not miss them. 

The temptation proved too strong. Lifting his right leg 
a little, so as to bring his pocket within reach, he succeeded 
in extracting the pistol from it. He even succeeded in 
cocking it. But just as he was endeavoring to find some 
place of su^Dport for his elbow in order to aim correctly, 
the click of the weapon attracted the attention of Fabre- 
guette, who instantly exclaimed : 

“See! the marquis 

Daubrac looked and saw a man whom he recognized 
without ever having seen, for who but the assassin would 
be perched upon this ridge-piece at such a moment. 

“ So weVe found you at last,'’^ continued Fabreguette. 
“ Heaven knows I have been running after you long 
enough! But you are caught this time, my fine fellow. 
You can promenade the roof of Notre Dame if you like, 
but you will not succeed in escaping from it. The church 
is guarded;, and in a few moments, the judge, a commis- 


THE ANGEL OF THE BELLS. 179 

sioner of police, and several gendarmes will be here to take 
ygu into custody. 

Even while the artist was speaking, a bullet carried away 
his red cap, after grazing his forehead. 

So that is your little game!^^ cried Fabreguette. 

You want to kill us now. Hand me your pistol, Dau- 
brac, and let me send this hound to the pavement below, 
where he threw the countess.'’'’ 

No, let me do it,'’^ replied the surgeon. 

The scoundrel saw that he was doomed, but he was re- 
solved not to die alone, and to make his aim more sure, he 
raised himself, and attempted to kneel upon the ridge plate 
upon which he had previously been reclining. He suc- 
ceeded, and his weapon was aimed straight at Fabreguette^ s 
head, when just as he was about to pull the trigger, his left 
knee slipped, and he lost his balance. The bullet whistled 
harmlessly through the air, and the person who had fired 
it fell from his perch. He clung for an instant to a gar- 
goyle that projected several feet from the cornice below, 
but his hands relaxed their hold, and he fell, turning a 
double somersault in mid air, at the foot of the south 
tower, where his skull was fractured upon a great pile of 
building stones placed there by a contractor who was repair- 
ing the church. The Countess Xenia was avenged. 


CHAPTER XH. 

Ten years have elapsed, and this tragedy which once 
stirred Paris to its very center, is well-nigh forgotten. 

M. and Mme. Daubrac have three lovely children, and 
are perfectly happy. The humble surgeon of the Hotel- 
Dieu has become rich and famous; the obscure maker of 
artificial flowers is the most charming of women, and the 
best of mothers. 

She is no longer the Angel of the Bells, but the angel of 
the fireside. 

Meriadec will die a bachelor, but the love and the com- 
panionship of his friend'’ s family more than suffice for his 
happiness. Fabreguette^ s pictures have been among the 
chief attractions of the salon for four years past, and he 
counts upon receiving a medal at the next exhibition. 

Odette de Malverne died of heart-disease only a few weeks 


ISO 


tRE AKGEL OE THE BELL??. 


after the tragedy of Notre Dame. Did her liusband have 
time to forgive her? God only knows^ for the judge died 
the year following, and he never had another friend. 

All the others are happy and prosperous, but the grass 
grows on the forgotten graves of Odette de Malverne and 
Jacques de Saint-Briac. To each man according to his 
works. 


THE END. 


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dress, and its plates are numerous. 
The ladies will be delighted with this 
number, as the latest styles are por- 
trayed in a practical and interesting 
manner, and every direction for mak* 
ing, etc. There are stories, sketches 
and good reading besides.— 
Standard. New Bedford, Mass. 

We have received a copy of The 
New York Bazar for Deceinber, pub- 
lished by George Munro, at New York 
City. Its plates are as fine as any yet 
published, and its descriptive matter 
is full and complete. Its price is 
twenty-five cents per copy or $2.50 per 
year.— Dakota Huronite. 

The New York Fashion Bazar, a 
monthly magazine of some sevent}^- 
five pages, has many attractive feat- 
ures. The December number, with 
its colored fasliion plate supplement 
and profuse illustrations, is specially 
valuable. It contains everythiny: the 
ladies want to know about dress, be 
side a variety of literary matter. — 
Gazette and Courier, Greenfield, Mass, 

The New York Fashion Bazar is f 
per copy. Subscription price $3.00 per 

GEORGE MUNRO, Mii 
P.O.Box 3751. 17 to 


^ THE PRESS. 

The Fashion Bazar, published by 
George Munro, New York, presents a 
most attractive number for November, 
the double-page fashion plate gives 
six full - length figures, handsomely 
colored, showing the most desirable of 
late fashions in garments for the win- 
ter, and this is followed by the most 
reliable information, fully illustrated, 
of all the articles of ladies’ wear on 
which the sex desire to be fully in- 
formed. The Bazar is a really elegant 
publication, and needs only to be seen 
to be fully appreciated.--iazf;re?ice 
Daily American. 

The December number of the New 
York Fashion Bazar fully maintains 
the reputation gained tosf this period 
ical as a fashion magazine In addition 
to its fashion plates there are severai 
pages of choice embroidery pattern.'3- 
which the lady patrons of the Bazar 
will fully appreciate Unfow,. Mao 
Chester, H 

l?HE jS'Em? ORA Fashion Bazar coo 
tains the latest styles for fall and win 
ter costumes, also a pleasing variety 
in evening dress and millinery. Con 
siderable space is devoted to fashion 
items, personal gossip, Christmas 
gifts, etc. The reading matter is ex 
cellent .— John lelegraph 

We have received from the publish 
er, Geoi ge Munro, of New Y’ork, the 
Fashion Bazar, one of the most com 
plete fashion magazines we ever saw 
It is published monthly, and is only 
$2 50 per year. It contains some sixty 
pages, and is profusely illustrated — 

' Argus, Evansville, Ind. 

The New York Fashion Bazar for 
December, published by Geo. Munro, 
is well filled with winter fashion notes, 
plates, and designs, and contains also 
many pages of choice literature. — 
Toronto Globe 

>r sale by all newsdealers, price 25 cents 
5*ear Address 

nro’s Piiblisliiiig House, 

7 Vaucle water Street, New York. 


THE CELEBRATED 



GRAND, SQUARE AND UPRIGHT PIANOS. 


\ 

I 

I 

i 

i 

1 



ARE AT PRESENT THE MOST POPUEAR 

AND PREFERRED BY THE LEADING ARTISTS 

SOHniER & CO., Manufacturers, No. 149 to 135 E. 14tU Street, N. Y. 


They are tu 
in Conserva* 
ries. Schools a 
Seminaries, on ; 
count of their « 
perior tone ai 
unequaled du; 
bility. 

The SOHMI 
Piano is a spec 
favorite with t 
leading musicia 
and critics. 


Centennial Exnibi- 
tion, 1876; Montreal, 
1881 and 1882. 


The enviable po- 
sition Sohmer & 
Co. hold among 
American Piano 
Manufacturers is 
solely due to the 
merits of their in- 
struments. 


FIRST PRIZE 

DIPLOMA. 


FROM THE 
NERVE -GIVING 
PRINCIPLES OF 
THE OX-BRAIN 
AND THE GERM 
OF THE WHEAT 
AND OAT. 

BEAINANDNERYIFOOE. 

CROSKY’S 

VITALIZED PHOSPHITES 

Is a standard with all Physicians who treat 
nervous or mental disorders. It builds up 
worn out nerves, banishes sleeplessness, 
neuralgia and sick headache. It promotes 
good digestion. It restores the energy lost 
by nervousness, debility, or over-exhaust- 
ion : regenerates weakened vital powers. 


“ It amplifies bodily and mental power to 
the present generation, and proves the sur- 
vival of the fittest to the next.” — Bismarck. 


“ It strengthens nervous power. It is the 
only medical relief I have ever known for 
an over-worked brain.”— Gladstone. 


“ I really urge you to put it to the test.”— 
Miss Emily Faithful. 

F. CROSBY CO., 56 W. 25th St., N. Y. 

For sale by Druggists, or by mail $1. 



NEW 

TABEENACM SERMON; 

Preached in the Brooklyn Tabernacle 

By Kev. T. Be Witt Talinage, D. 

12mo. Handsomely Bound in Cloth $1.00. 


CONTENTS: 


Brawn and Muscle. 
The Pleiades and Orion 
The Queen’s Visit. 
Vicarious Suffering. 
Posthumous Opportu- 
nity. 

The Lord’s Razor. 
Windows Toward Je- 
rusalem. 

Stormed and Taken. 
All the World Akin. 

A Momentous Quest. 
The Great Assize. 

The Road to the City. 
The Ransom less. 

The Three Groups. 


'I’he Insignificant. 
The Three Rings. 
How He Came to 
It, 

Castle Jesus. 
Stripping the Slain. 
Sold Out. 

Summer Temptatlo 
The Banished Queer 
The Day We Live Ir 
Capital and Labor. 
Tobacco and Opiuir 
Despotism of 1 
Needle. 

Why are Satan and ! 
Permitted? 


The book will be forwarded, postage p 
paid, on receipt of price, $1.00. Address 


GEORGE MUNRO, Jtiunro’s Piihlislilng House, 

I P. O. Box 8751. 17 to 27 Vandewnter St., N, 




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